Participatory Culture and Political Change

     People today are able to utilize the internet and online communities to create and participate in so many different areas and in the political arena like never before. And this participation is not limited to adults or people in the political arena but is used by people of different ages and cultures. People can now use the internet and the variety of communities they offer to post their opinions and their views for everyone to view and from which to learn. These political views and opinions can be expressed through the MEME's, texts, messages, photos, and videos that can be viewed through many online venues.

     And people of all ages can add to the opinion of others and participate in the transmission of that opinion and build upon it to spread their message to all areas of the world. These such political entrepreneurs' can create a network with a goal and start gathering like-minded individuals to join them in their pursuit of their goals. And together they can construct their ideas and their platforms to get their  views across to everyone.

     But with this ability to express our opinions and to gather like-minded people who agree with us. Also comes the danger of exposing ourselves and our beliefs in an area where people who disagree can target those expressionists' and antagonize them without fear of repercussions. This ability to judge others online without fear of consequences leads those expressing themselves open to bullying and harassment which is not what they were looking for when they decide to express themselves for the benefit of the world and its people. But we have to face the fact that when you make yourself available to make a change in the world by participating in it and with others to promote your cause and express your views whether they be political or not we are ourselves at the mercy of those who feel alike and differently for better or worse.

New Media Studies Project of New Technologies

     This project was a new experience for me. For the longest time. I thought to myself about what I could possibly do for this project. I had no idea what type of new technology I wanted to learn and how that technology was relevant to me. But the longer I thought about it. The more stressed I got about trying to figure out what would work for me. Then I remembered that in one of our classes. We spoke about doing coding. And I said to myself if it would be interesting to learn to do some coding so that I would be able to use Java and create my strings of code and save them in variables so that I could recall them later after I inputted the functions into Java. Oh, yeah, that is me using some of the language I learned while using Java which I have never used before and I figured out would be the new type of technology that I wished to learn. This is because if I learned this type of Java. I would learn more about code and how to input it and how to create different strings of information on a Java page.

 

     I actually went to https://www.javascript.com/resources to learn more about Java. I tried a course on this webpage called "TryJava". I went through the whole process and learned about different terms coined for Java. As I went through the program. Different terms were introduced and I used them in Java to give me a better understanding of their meaning and their use and what they do. I learned about strings of code which is just the text that I input into Java. Then I learned about functions which is the combinations of strings in Java. Then I learned that if I put the strings into functions in Java they created pop-up boxes with the information I imputed into the functions in them. It was cool seeing the strings the I wrote into Java actually pop-up in live on the screen. I wrote my name in strings of code and it appeared in a pop-up box. I was amazed because even though I know it is just my name. I have never used the technology before so I did not know I could do that in Java or anywhere else for that matter.

     Now if you go to this link https://www.javascript.com/try and input your names. You will be able to see how it appears after you have put in the code. And if you continue the process. You will be able to continue the course like I did too. It took me through all the steps and showed me different terms like "strings," "functions," "variables," and "alert." Each term builds on the previous one and helps to better understand coding in Java.
    
      Additionally, I got to a point in the process in which I felt myself blocked because the program in Java started to put strings and functions and variables together with alerts and for the longest time I could not figure out why Java was not accepting my commands. I mean I was coding it right. In order for Java to accept a command. The command has to be in between parenthesis and end with a semicolon. Then I hit enter and Java would accept my command and either produce a pop-up box with my string of code in it or reproduce the string on the code screen by itself. But Java continually told me that it could not accept my command. And I kept typing the strings in the functions and it would not go through into the system. Then after many tries and rejections by Java. I found that if I do not type the string exactly as Java wants it to appear it will not read it and process it. Every time I wrote the string I forgot to make sure that one and I mean one single letter was supposed to be capitalized in order for Java to accept the string of code. You would not believe the frustration I went through trying to get Java to say "Omar is awesome!"; It was driving me insane. But after I figured out what I was missing in the string of code. I was so happy that I had met a hurdle in the learning process and successfully overcame it. After that hurdle, I was relieved but proud as well because I had been able to do something about which I had no idea beforehand. It feels good to accomplish something new. I mean it felt good for me.

     Furthermore, to keep learning more about coding. I went on to Mozilla's Java Scratchpad which if you have the Mozilla browser can be activated and appear on your screen by simultaneously pressing Shift+F4 and the code screen opens in your browser. 

      This allowed me to implement different commands in code and to apply them. For example, I was able to do the Hello World code and other codes on the screen.

 

     It was amazing doing these code projects. I had no idea that it was going to be such an odyssey for me to do this project. I expected this to be an easy project and to be able to master this type of technology without delay. But as I started to do this project. I found that it was anything but easy. I quickly faced many milestones. Like learning to place alert before commands and the semi-colon at the end to send the command. Those were some of the things that I learned while doing this project and some of the things that I did not expect to encounter.

     But would I say that I expected a lot of the things that I faced during this project. I  have to say that this project went in a completely different direction than I expected. I did not think that I would have to go from one page to another to learn more about the process and learn to use scratchpad in order to understand the basics of Java. But those are some of the tribulations that I had to face in order to truly comprehend what I was doing. But I have to admit that it is the difficulties of understanding the code, learning to write the code, submitting the code and then watching the results come to life made it all worthwhile for me. It was all unexpected but it made me appreciate the things that happened that I could not have thought were going to happen.

     Each hurdle that I faced helped me to appreciate what I learned. Now will I continue to work on coding after the conclusion of this project. I have to say yes, because I really did end up enjoying the coding process and learning the basics. It was hard but it is not something that I regret at all. I am definitely going to keep practicing my coding ability because I believe that it is just one more skill that I can add to repertoire and it makes me much more versatile.

     And I have to say that If someone asked me whether I would recommend this coding process to someone else. I would recommend it to everyone because they would learn a skill that is not only cool to learn but is also something that can be placed on a resume as a skill. Now not only do programmers know coding but I do as well. This is a boon for me and I think that all people should have the pleasure of learning coding and applying it in different areas. Plus it is cool to write a code in scratchpad and have it pop up on the screen and say "Hi, Omar!" to you in return. It is an awesome experience for me.

     But while I'm reflecting on this process of coding. I must admit that I am really glad that I took the time to learn this skill and to apply in something that I never expected to do in my life. I never thought that I would learn coding let alone use it for a class or actually apply it. But it has become a bit of a habit for me now to play with code and I'm becoming a programming nerd. Not that becoming a programming nerd is a bad thing. But it has given me a new appreciation for technology and giving new avenues of learning a chance. This is because I have never been what you call computer savvy. I have been more of a paper and pencil type of man. Always playing with the things with which I am familiar and secure. And I have never really wanted to venture out of my comfort zone. But this coding adventure truly gave me a new perspective on technology. It taught me that learning continues no matter what your age and that just because a new technology may not appear appealing it does not mean that I should not dive in and try it because I had no idea what I was missing until I actually took the time to think and say just go for it and find out what you can actually learn from this.

     However, I have to admit that there was a part with which I was not totally comfortable. I'm a confident man and I'm fine in front of people and talking with people. But I do not like taking selfies nor do I like videotaping myself. I know it may sound strange when I am engaged in a technology project and course. But I am not used to it because I am used to talking with people not with a camera. So making videos for this project was something weird for me. But I pushed through it and when I got done. I liked the results of the video and the other level of the expression and communication that it brings to my project. It just shows my frustration and hardships with the project at that moment in the way that words written may not do as well. I am not saying it was easy but it got more out of my live recording shell and allowed me to experience the coding and technology itself a little more. I have say, overall, this project has taught that embarking on a new learning experience with technology gives me a lot more experiences that test my boundaries and allow me to grow on several levels instead of those with which I am comfortable. So if anyone is hesitant about trying something new; go for it. I know they will not regret it if they try coding or any other technology because I do not and am definitely grateful for this experience.

    

Reflection on Air-Bn-Me

     When I first started to do this project. I had no idea what type of personality or character I wanted to adopt. At first, I thought of creating a character really out there and not at all conventional. But as hard as I tried to be different and to think outside the box. The harder it became for me to create a character. Finally, I just asked myself what I like and what I enjoy and how can I make that into a great character. Then I came up with the idea of becoming an artist. I wanted to create a character that is a sketch artist and a painter. I've always been interested in art and in drawing. And I thought to myself what better opportunity to create a character that embodies those dreams and ideas but during this project.

     I then created the character of Babe_Ruth. An artist who is skilled in sketches and paintings of the out-doors and nature. Always taking pictures of environments he finds interesting in that elusive search for the all fulfilling and inspiring muse. But he is constantly bombarded by different images and ideas that his muse constantly changes and his inspiration is that ever elusive art that pushes him to follow nature all over the world for his next sketches and paintings.

     And I made up this character that I felt captured what I wish I could spend my life being today. A man completely devoted to his art and his constant search for a muse to create beautiful and ever lasting art. But through this project. I was able to in a way live that dream and give life to what I wish I could be doing if I had not chosen another path in life.

     But I have to say in doing this project. I did not feel at all comfortable in doing this project at first. This is because I had to take pictures of things I felt were personal and I had to reveal things about myself and my interests that I like to keep private. But the project and character creating itself allowed me to open up about what I like to do and what interests me. I did not think I would like it at the beginning. But the deeper I got into the project. The more I learned about being open to different things and about revealing more of myself and that it is not a bad thing. Although, I still like to keep myself a bit reserved. But it is not a bad thing to use my likes and my creativity in a project that I am able to share with my friends and colleagues.

     I think this project allowed me to give my friends and colleagues a better insight into who I am and what I like to do. And this type of revelation is not bad. However, I liked the taking pictures aspect of the project. But since I do not like taking selfies. I did like the part of taking pictures of things that interest me because I think those are pictures that I can share with people that I like and enjoy.
 
     Therefore, I feel this project gave me the opportunity to delve into art in which I have always had an interest. And it gave me the opportunity to use that creative side of myself to make a video that I enjoyed and can freely share with other people. It took me out of my comfort zone. But then again, if I do not get outside of my comfort zone every once and a while. I will not learn new things. And I feel that I have learned more about myself and about the project and about my colleagues through their presentations.

Digital Culture and the Economy

     In this day and age. People are constantly producing material online. But this material is used by companies fo derive information from us to build their monetary income. Even though we are all producers to the digital world. We find ourselves producing digital resources that in my opinion contribute to mass hysteria.

     The digital world has given us the ability to transmit information but has given the capitalist. The ability to profit from what people do for free and for fun. But people always utilize the sites that you visit to find what is interesting and take your interest to profit. And it is these companies that transmit messages of fear to the people in order to get them to buy what they are selling.

     And the digital world has given these capitalist companies. The source they need in order to display events that create fear and play to peoples emotions to get them to act in a selling position. This makes the people interacting in the digital world not only contributors of digital information. And trasmitters of information for those in different areas. But victims of a source that allows for the distribution of multiple uses of digital media but producers of products for companies to benefit.

Vlogging, Learning, and the Capitalist System

     I agree with the article that Vlogging can be seen as a way for the public to participate in society and become producers and sellers instead of mere consumers. It gives the public or people a manner in which to transmit their messages and their perspectives in a multimodal fashion. They can post videos, do live streams, and post conversations live. They no longer have to depend on others for the transmission of information.

     This is also helpful in the educational field. vloggers can post useful information regarding different topics or subject areas which can be used by teachers in different subject areas to teach a specific topic or idea. This permits for an exchange of information through a medium which the youth is familiar and which they know how to utilize and understand.

     But vlogging also puts teachers in a quandary because teachers have to relinquish power to someone else. Teachers have come to recognize that the students are the experts when it comes to vlogging. They have grown up in a technology savvy time in which they are bombarded with and use technology on an everyday basis. This makes students themselves not only receivers of information from their teachers. But makes the students participants in the culture and their educational learning. Their learning is no longer "teacher-driven" but "student-driven." And this allows for a participatory learning experience. The students get more out of this type of experience instead of a teacher led experience. This is because they are thought of as experts in their areas.

     However, participatory vlogging also has its economic side. We live in a Capitalist society. A society in which we are driven by money. The people vlogging do it more for a monetary goal than for the spread of information. Their distribution of information is sometimes dependent on how many viewers view their videos, the donations the people make in support, and the sales that the producers make in order to have a profit. So the vlogging reasons for the public may not always be altruistic or for a learning purpose. They are many times  made with a bias in mind. This is because, using "Youtube" as an example, people participate in this website. But they do it with the goal of posting their videos for fame and for money. Because the more views a person has on the website, the more money the website pays out to them. According to Youtube, the producers who pass a million views get paid by the company and every time thereafter someone views their video, they get another check for the following views. Everyone participates with the goal of attaining fame, renown, and monetary gain along with the transmission of knowledge.