The First Date

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Our first “Introduction to Digital Communications”  class was, coincidentally, a testament to the impact of technology on our lives and how it has transcended into how we use digital communication.  As we introduced ourselves, I noticed that each of us were physically located in various parts of the world with different time zones, laws and lifestyles, however, through technology we have been put into “Hollywood Squares” on a communication platform known as Zoom to discuss the evolution and convergence of digital communications.  With just this tidbit of knowledge, I was excited to be part of the “history making” statistics.  One might ask why is this common process of online learning considered “history making;”  simply because just about everyone made reference to the current historical pandemic, its impact on their employment or life status and how they opted for a positive solution –  strengthening of their academic portfolio.  History will surely measure this action and the statistical data will be mesmerizing.

We discussed key topics including digital convergence, technology, and business convergence (specifically Disney and its multi platforms). Everyone was given the opportunity to impart their knowledge on defining the powerful words.   Also, give examples of convergence and the synergy that illuminates from it.

Additionally,  we discussed the positive and negative effects technology has had on society.  For example, technology has provided us with the opportunity to learn anything we want.  We no longer have logistical or academic handicaps.  We are welcome to absorb whatever information we choose.  However, we must be discerning in our engagement of information.  Anyone now has the opportunity to circulate information into the distribution centers (internet, media etc) but this does not give it legitimacy; in other words it could be highly inaccurate. Also, someone pointed out that technology opened the door to elevated levels of cyber bulling, another commented on the diminishing social skills in human beings and our inability to verbally communicate to each other, while others mentioned fixed identities and the fact that we all suffer from information overload. 

Several topics were discussed, specifically Twitter as a powerful tool.  I learned a great deal from one student who shared how he has “Twitter List” on topics of interest.  My immediate goal was to look up the process as I would like to have “Twitter List” in my toolbox.

As the class moved forward and touched on topics from the class agenda, I found myself wanting to comment on everything.  However, I know that everyone deserves a chance and with that said, I attempted to hang back. However, when the subject of the Skyscraper Model hit the air, my hand jumped up again.  I had definite views about the inaccuracies of this model.  Also, why others felt the map was a more feasible model to use, I believe there really isn’t a “cookie cutter” approach when it comes to herding people into categories based on their likes and dislikes; too many are extremely unique and break the mold.   With the map, it, does not delineate between good and bad which puts it in the unrealistic category for me. Realistically, there is a definite good and definite bad and what it is…that’s up for interpretation.

Interesting enough, we touched on the Five Steps to the Critical Process  (description, analysis, interpretation [so what], evaluation and engagement.  Everyone had clear opinions on examples and the interpretation on this subject.

I am looking forward to the second week’s class and “all things ‘90s”  as well as our discussion on digital disruptors and what we uncovered about the #1 topic of this decade, “fake news.”

“Live life as though nobody is watching,

and Express yourself as though

everyone is listening.”

Nelson Mandela