In this course reflection paper, I’ll be going over a variety of significant things I learned over the course this semester. Specifically, about these four learning outcomes: Trend, Theoretical Approach, Policy, and Social Issue.
Trends were mentioned and discussed throughout the semester in a variety of technology communication methods. In the E-Health section, we discussed how Fitbit tracks their client’s usage data. They noticed that after the first month or two, users stopped really using the band for its full potential and would use it as a pedometer or not even use it at all. In the Home Video section, we looked at the trend of how cord cutters are affecting cable tv. Paid streaming services are producing high quality exclusive shows and have access to classic shows and films as well. User’s today typically don’t need a full cable service house bundle and are cutting the cords.
Theoretical approaches were mentioned and discussed throughout the semester in a variety of technology communication methods. In section three, we learn about the theory of the Long Tail. This theory states that,” our culture and economy are increasingly shifting away from a focus on a relatively small number of ‘hits’ at the headend of the demand curve and toward a huge number of niches in the tail”. We also learn about the social learning theory in this section. The theory focuses on how people learn by modeling others. In lecture, we were shown a video of a test group of children being shown violent/aggressive behavior and they then performed those actions on Bozo the clown, poor Bozo.
Political Policy approaches were mentioned and discussed throughout the semester in a variety of technology communication methods. We have policies put into place in order to protect the first amendment, economic interests of the industry, rights of citizens, and to promote diffusion. There are three communication regulations. Content regulations are the degree to which an industry enjoys first amendment protection. Structural regulation is concerned with market power within and across industries. Technical regulation prevents technical interference and supports standards for interoperability. Overall, political policies are put into place to protect companies and their value.
Social Issues were mentioned, discussed, and personally felt this semester in a variety of technology communication methods. In the Esports segment, we investigated the negative feedback females receive in the gamer community. Woman are not represented equally in video games and harassed in the online multiplayer community. There is rarely a main female hero character, or the character is over sexualized and not realistic. We watched a video interviewing female gamers and playing back some of the audio that they hear when they’re gaming, and it consist of rude and disturbing remarks. Access to technology in our society is also a huge issue. We watched a video about how a middle school principle for Coachella Valley had school busses parked around his district are to provide WIFI for his students who didn’t have access to WIFI at home. I personally felt technology issues with our partial group project this semester. Members of my group had prepaid phones with no access to group chats as well as members who struggled how to read and respond to emails. The worst part was the group google document, nobody did anything. I did not enroll in this course to be a coach or mom around individuals who are the same age or older than me (one significantly older than me). I’m not going to fail this class and became the leader of that horrid group until the transition into online courses.
Overall, I really enjoyed this course and the material presented. I learned a lot and wished we didn’t have to transition to online learning!
Daniel Bender 