The first project was interesting because we learned about different forms of writing and then got to experience writing on clay for ourselves while incorporating the reading from the previous day. I learn best by just doing something myself. I am a “hands on” kind of learner, so I enjoyed that we learned by doing and creating at the same time throughout all of our projects. It was interesting to learn about different inscription technologies, some old, some new, and then be able to utilize those technologies for ourselves with our writing. Another interesting project I liked was using the typewriter to form a graphic. Although the task was difficult and time consuming, typing on a typewriter helped me realize the differences between inscription technologies back then and the modern day advances we have available today. Experiencing using these different materials used for writing such as clay, the pencil and typewriter helped me focus on the many forms of writing and editing available. Utilizing different mediums for writing also allowed me to better understanding and appreciate each type.
The project I enjoyed working on the most was creating the digital portfolio using Wix.com. I really like the idea of having an online, modern portfolio that is easy to share with future employers. This project not only incorporated a digital inscription technology, it also incorporated something I will actually use in my near future. My Wix page contained background information on my schooling and experiences as well as a resume. Once I complete more work throughout my college career, I will add another page onto my site referencing my talents and completed work. What I liked most about using Wix was how easy it was to manipulate a template that was already created. I was able to customize my layout and color palate to my taste, as well as insert my own photographs with customized frames to match my overall design. I liked the fact that I could also change the font family and size of the text easily, unlike the typewriter where hardly anything can be changed.
When comparing the two digital inscription technology projects we worked on this past summer, I definitely prefer the Wix rather than the Dreamweaver HTML. As previously noted, the Wix was modern and easer to manipulate than the Dreamweaver HTML page. The HTML coding took more time to figure out and a lot longer to design because everything has to have an exact, specific code, or else it does not appear properly on the web page. The most frustrating aspect of coding in HTML was writing the correct code into my HTML file because I had to look up the code on the W3 website and then make sure I correctly transcribed it into my HTML writing.
The week that had the most influence on my thinking as a writer and editor was week six. I really enjoyed reading Lessig’s work on how the past influences the future, and how the future will create and remix from the past. Lessig connected writing to music, and demonstrated that we learn by remixing. Writing is remixed by editing and re-writing in the same way that musicians like Girl Talk remix music from the past and turn it into something new. I thought the documentary we watched on Girl Talk and the illegal war of downloading music was very interesting.
Overall, this course was entertaining and well worth my time and money. I learned a lot of important information that I will carry with me on my road to becoming a successful writer and editor.