Reflections on Maya Odyssey Studio:

While browsing The Maya Odyssey’s site exhibits, I was immediately drawn to the innovative and immersive storytelling techniques used by the group. This is the story of Maye, a gardener, and Crystal, a mermaid, set on a romantic pink lake. The group uses a variety of cross-media technologies and platforms to create rich worlds of stories.

One aspect of Maya Odyssey that caught my attention was the use of physical maps and hand-drawn lettering. These types of items add depth and realism to the narrative experience. Viewers actively participate in the narrative by following the clues on the map, and eventually have the opportunity to find the hidden treasure and successfully meet the crystal. This interactive element not only increases immersion, but also deepens the audience’s connection to the story.

In addition to the physical elements, the team used artificial intelligence and web design to create digital maps and dedicated story sites. These digital platforms allow for more dynamic and interactive exploration of the story world. Viewers can explore different sections of the site to discover additional insights and details about the characters and their journeys. Integrating Twitter also provides an immersive experience that allows viewers to interact with the story world and the characters within it in real time. This multi-platform approach successfully conveyed the core idea of creating groups to create compelling story worlds that engage and engage audiences.

Another notable feature of The Maya Odyssey is the song “Cupid’s Arrow”, based on the story. This musical composition adds emotional depth and resonance to the narrative. The lyrics and melody complement the visuals, further immersing viewers in the world of May and Krystal. The integration of music provides a powerful medium for narrative to elicit an emotional response from the audience.

Reflections on Dream State (contributed to the studio website):

The Dream State studio’s website exhibition offers a unique and thought-provoking exploration of dream states and dreams. The goal was to create an environment that evoked a dreamlike feeling in the viewer, evoked the senses and paid homage to the bustling Melbourne cityscape.

A key idea conveyed by Dream State is the concept of being trapped in a dream and being able to peer into other people’s dreams. This concept invites curiosity and voyeurism from the viewer, digging into the realm of the unconscious. The interactive elements of the website and the opportunity to explore different dreamscapes make the experience immersive. The fusion of sight, sound and narrative within the dream effectively conveys the studio’s core idea of exploring the complexity and diversity of dreams. This exploration allows viewers to reflect on their own dreams and find solace in sharing the experiences and perspectives of others.

Reflections on Immersive Sandbox’s Dreamscape (another studio):

Immersive Sandbox studio’s Dreamscape project offers an engaging and thought-provoking narrative centered around the consequences of technology abuse and the allure of escapism. This short film presents a stark contrast between the monotonous and lifeless corporate environment of the real world and the vibrant and surreal virtual Dreamscape.

The use of black and white aesthetics for real-world scenarios effectively shows the monotony and dullness of corporate environments. On the other hand, Dreamscape’s colorful and vivid design offers a dreamlike escape. This visual contrast creates a sharp boundary between the two realms, highlighting the appeal of the virtual world as an escape from the reality of everyday life.

Green screen shots and post-production special effects are used to increase the depth and immersion of the film. Viewers can disconnect from the real world and explore fantastic virtual environments to create engaging and unpredictable experiences. The addition of 3D modeling character Piper and the use of dubbing and sound effects further increase the immersion of the narrative.

Through Dreamscape’s narrative, the project successfully conveys the concept of disconnection and the potential consequences of pursuing an artificial and addictive virtual world. It reminds us of the importance of striking a balance between using technology and experiencing real life.

Overall reflection:

Participation in site exhibits of The Maya Odyssey, Dream State, and Dreamscape provided valuable insight into the many ways media communicates ideas and engages audiences. The use of cross-media technologies, immersive experiences, and creative storytelling techniques demonstrates the power of multimedia platforms in creating engaging narratives.

These projects highlight the importance of audience participation and the potential of technology to connect and separate the individual from reality. The Maya Odyssey’s interactive elements, physical objects, and multi-platform approach create a deeper connection between the audience and the world of the story. The Dream State experience encourages viewers to reflect on their dreams and find solace in shared experiences. Dreamscape serves as an instructive reminder of the consequences of technology abuse and escapism.

As a viewer, the experience of participating in these site exhibits is thought-provoking and thought-provoking. The attention to detail, immersive storytelling, and exploration of complex themes are impressive. Emphasizes the power of media to evoke emotions, challenge perceptions, and evoke thoughts.

Taken together, the website exhibits from Maya Odyssey, Dream State, and Dreamscape provide a great showcase for a variety of media creations. These projects successfully communicate their core ideas and create deep connections with their audiences through cross-media technologies, immersive experiences, and creative storytelling techniques. This experience made me appreciate the power of multimedia platforms in telling a narrative and making a meaningful connection with an audience.

For the thirteenth week of our Real-World Media course, we successfully held our exhibition. This prompts me to reflect on three key aspects: audience reception, exhibition preparation and presentation, and collaboration.

In what ways do you hope your creative exploration is received by its audience?
Our primary aspiration was that our audience deeply connects with our narrative about international students – our metaphorical ‘aliens’ in Melbourne. By using various media forms, interactive QR codes, and personalized Polaroids, we aimed to create an immersive and relatable experience. Our intent was to resonate with the audience, a sentiment echoed by a lady who was deeply engrossed in our booklet.

What was it like preparing for the exhibition, and then seeing your work presented and viewed?
The preparation for the exhibition was both exhilarating and challenging. The anticipation of showcasing our work and the practicalities of setting up the site created a dynamic environment. Witnessing our work on display and the audience’s interactive engagement was extremely rewarding. A precious memory I retain is a solo photograph with Professor Dan, which to me, signified an acknowledgement of our hard work and dedication.

Reflect on your collaboration for Assessment 4. How did it go? What would you do differently next time, and why?
Reflecting on our collaboration, our team worked effectively, a testament to Haythornthwaite’s assertion that successful collaborations often arise from leveraging individual strengths and preferences. （Haythornthwaite, 2011）However, in the future, I would stress on setting clearer timelines for each phase of the project. Despite our success, we faced instances of last-minute rushes which could have been prevented with improved time management.

In summary, week thirteen concluded with a successful exhibition and invaluable lessons in collaboration and project management.

Reference:

Haythornthwaite, C. (2011) Social networks and internet connectivity effects, Social networks and Internet connectivity effects. Available at: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13691180500146185 (Accessed: 01 June 2023).

In week twelve of our Real-World Media course, we made significant progress in developing our Assessment 4 project. Our ambition was to provide a unique and immersive experience, drawing our audience into the metaphorical narrative of international students as ‘aliens’ in Melbourne.

My role this week was to delve into QR code technology for our website and booklet. This task required diligent research and resulted in the successful creation of two QR codes, providing a user-friendly portal to our digital content.

We selected a multi-platform approach to display our content, leveraging websites, booklets, posters, and a DIY alien-making video. This range of media choices reflects the essence of digital convergence, a concept discussed in Fuchs’ ‘Internet and Society’ (2008). By using these diverse formats, we aim to create a dynamic and engaging user experience.

Our decision to include Polaroid photographs brings a personal and intimate touch to our narrative. We believe that these images will foster a deeper connection and empathy with our audience, echoing the sentiment of Fuchs’ work where he emphasizes the role of the internet in fostering social connections.

As we conclude week twelve, I am enthusiastic about the progress we’ve made. Our project has begun to take shape, and I look forward to further refining and enhancing our narrative experience in the coming weeks.

Reference:

Fuchs, C. (2011) Internet and Society: Social Theory in the Information Age, routledge. Available at: https://books.google.com.au/books?hl=zh-CN&lr=&id=XMSEP10_C84C&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=Fuchs%2C%2BC.%2B%282008%29.%2BInternet%2Band%2BSociety%3A%2BSocial%2BTheory%2Bin%2Bthe%2BInformation%2BAge.%2BRoutledge.&ots=ypiDThB4no&sig=SYJOmnTls6B3MuXE_Y9hBxMlJrk&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false (Accessed: 01 June 2023).

Week eleven of our Real-World Media course brought us significant headway in the development of our project. We further solidified the storyline, revolving around the experiences of international students portrayed as metaphorical ‘aliens’ in Melbourne. The decision to present this narrative via a cartoon format added a layer of creativity that was both challenging and engaging to explore.

I’m mainly responsible for providing the stories of alien life in Melbourne, I sought to weave together elements of fantasy and reality. By grounding our story in the real-life experiences, trials, and triumphs of international students, I aimed to create characters that would elicit empathy and understanding from our audience.

Our project resonates with the theories presented in Couldry’s ‘Media, Society, World: Social Theory and Digital Media Practice’. This work emphasizes the crucial role of media narratives in shaping societal perceptions and discourse, a consideration that was foremost in our minds as we crafted our story. （Couldry,2012）

The choice of a cartoon medium, though not directly grounded in academic theory, represents an innovative approach to communicating complex narratives in an accessible and engaging manner. As we continue to refine our narrative, I look forward to the potential of our project to convey a compelling and relatable message.

Reference:

Couldry, N. (2012) Media, Society, World: Social Theory and Digital Media Practice, Google. Available at: https://books.google.com.au/books?hl=zh-CN&lr=&id=AcHvP9trbkAC&oi=fnd&pg=PR5&dq=Couldry%2C%2BN.%2B%282012%29.%2BMedia%2C%2BSociety%2C%2BWorld%3A%2BSocial%2BTheory%2Band%2BDigital%2BMedia%2BPractice.%2BPolity.&ots=My_wUCSMND&sig=N0QV4NanYUg9-RT4GBKukLbgREo&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=Couldry%2C%20N.%20(2012).%20Media%2C%20Society%2C%20World%3A%20Social%20Theory%20and%20Digital%20Media%20Practice.%20Polity.&f=false (Accessed: 31 May 2023).

In week ten of our Real-World Media course, we built on our initial planning phase and moved towards the concrete development of our Assessment 4 project. Our project’s theme—an exploration into the lives of international students likened to aliens in a foreign land—allowed us to delve into various layers of cultural, social, and personal dynamics.

Establishing our project direction was a significant step, but it also unveiled the formidable task of studying the feasibility of our presentation method. Our narrative seeks to illuminate the struggles of international students and their attempts to integrate into new societies. At the same time, we are drawing a parallel with the concept of aliens – outsiders in strange lands, which presents certain logistical challenges.

One of the hurdles we faced was ensuring that our portrayal resonated with audiences on a personal level while remaining sensitive to the cultural intricacies involved. Further, representing international students as ‘aliens’ metaphorically is a delicate task, requiring us to be conscious not to marginalize or stereotype them.

In this context, Dervin’s research on cultural identity and otherness has been instrumental. Dervin’s work offers a nuanced understanding of the experiences of being an ‘Other’ in a foreign land, and provides us with a theoretical framework that aids in the effective portrayal of our subject matter. （Darvin, 2012）

Overall, week ten challenged us to align our project vision with practical execution, an integral aspect of media production. We anticipate further hurdles, but also further growth, as we refine our project’s direction.

Reference:

Dervin, F. (2012) Cultural identity, representation and othering: 22: The routledge ha, Taylor & Francis. Available at: https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9780203805640-22/cultural-identity-representation-othering-fred-dervin (Accessed: 31 May 2023).

In the ninth week of our Real-World Media course, we embarked on planning for Assessment 4, a process filled with both excitement and challenges. Our key focus was on exploring the unique perspectives of international students and delving into the intriguing subject of aliens. This topic choice created an enriching dialogue that broadened our understanding of these disparate subjects, as well as their potential interconnections.

Throughout the planning phase, we faced difficulties in determining how to portray these themes engagingly and authentically. We grappled with ways to maintain the integrity of the international students’ experiences while also incorporating the fantastical element of alien culture. It required us to strike a balance between grounding our presentation in reality and indulging in speculative imagination, which proved to be a complex yet enlightening task.

The process led us to consider various media representation theories. For instance, Hall’s representation theory (Hall, 1997) proved instrumental. Hall posits that the media’s portrayal of a subject isn’t a mirror of reality, but rather, a constructed representation shaped by cultural norms and values. (Hall, 1999) Applying this theory, we realized that our challenge was not only to depict the subject matter but also to question the underlying cultural assumptions shaping our understanding of international students and aliens.

This week’s exploration pushed us to consider media’s role in creating narratives that can both reflect and shape societal understanding. In planning for our assessment, we strive to generate a nuanced media representation that prompts audiences to think critically about these intriguing themes.

Reference:

Hall, S. (1999) Representation. cultural representations and signifying practices …, Representation. Cultural representations and signifying practices. Available at: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/social-anthropology/article/abs/representation-cultural-representations-and-signifying-practices-edited-by-stuart-hall-london-thousand-oaks-and-new-delhi-sage-publications-in-association-with-the-open-university-1997-400-pp-pb-1295-isbn-0-7619-5432-5/3A77CE1B3598F2E4E65671A8F16108EA (Accessed: 31 May 2023).

The first class for this week is about ChatGPT. We will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using AI tools for university students, and in what situations we should use them. We will also consider whether the results produced by AI tools are our own work or not. It is important to ensure that AI tools are used in the right way.

During Thursday’s class, we did two interesting activities. The first one involved sitting quietly and not sleeping for 10 minutes, after which we discussed our thoughts and did free writing for 5 minutes. During this time, I made a plan for my next few days and stared at the six air vents on the rooftop, wondering where they led.

Before we wrapped up, Professor Dan scattered a variety of items all over the place, including ice cream sticks, curved pins, colored paper, and shiny little accessories. On the screen, we reviewed what we had learned in the first week, including the topic of “Media”. We were asked to choose a word and use the items on the floor to represent it. I chose the word “Soft Power” and represented it with the wooden frames and chains. The “Wood Nation” looks strong and tough, with the four pins at each corner resembling weapons. In contrast, the “Chain Nation” appears soft and foldable, yet it has tenacity and can pass through the center of the “Wood Nation”. This represents the idea that even big powerful countries need each other, as seen in the example of trade markets.

Here is what I did:

I choose Instagram as a platform for memories. The first photo I posted on this platform is May 16, 2016. The time I want to choose is January 19, 2017. It is the day I travelled to Seoul, South Korea. I posted a picture of the street outside the window of my hotel in Seoul on Instagram. I remember it was the first snow I saw in 2017 and it was also the first time I went to Seoul, so I took it and posted it on Instagram, I was travelling in Korea with my mom, but I remember my mom didn’t like Seoul, she doesn’t like Korea either, there were a lot of quarrels at the time, but I still have a lot of memories in Korea, including my dream at the time, I wanted to achieve a career in Korea, but now it seems that maybe it’s right not to continue to develop in Korea things.

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The first week of the Real World Media Studio was an exciting experience, filled with creative and practical activities. We first explored the ancient art of origami and attempted to fold a paper crane. This was a fun and challenging task that required patience and attention to detail. Through this activity, we learned the importance of precision and practice in the creative process.

Next, we went outside the RMIT building and used our smartphones to capture some footage. This activity gave us the opportunity to explore our surroundings and try out different shooting angles and lenses. It was interesting to see how the same scene could be captured in different ways depending on the camera’s position and movement.

Finally, we delved into the world of making by reading Tim Ingold’s “The Textility of Making.” This article challenged our preconceptions about making, highlight the importance of paying attention to materials and tools in the creative process. We learned that making is not just about the final product, but a continuous process that involves constantly adapting and responding to the materials being worked with.

Overall, the first week of the Real World Media Studio was an exciting and enlightening experience. We learned new skills, explored our environment, and gained a deeper understanding of the creative process. We look forward to applying these skills and knowledge in the coming weeks to create some exciting and innovative media projects.