- Had you ever used a blog before attending RTF 305? If so, what was its focus?
I have used a blog prior to RTF 305, for personal interest focusing on fashion & interior decorating.
- What were the positive aspects of using the blogs in the course?
Several positive aspects of using the blogs in the course were solidifying concepts by making you explain the material on your own terms, and having to connect it with something already familiar. The ease of creating blog posts made this review process highly enjoyable and convenient. The blogs helped give the course a modern feel and allow for some creativity I found positive in a course so large. Blogs gave me the feel I stood out in a massive class by letting me express myself in my own way.
- What difficulties did you encounter in using the blogs?
Difficulties were minimal but one particular issue was at the beginning of the semester not understanding how to embed videos directly into my blog. (Something easily solved by a quick google search)
- If you had difficulties in using the blog, how were you able to overcome the difficulties you encountered?
Google, reading through others' blogs, emailing my TA and searching through blog forums.
- What types of blog prompts were more or less interesting or difficult?
The blog prompt requiring one determine the specific timing of shots in the film were a challenge without the movie at hand or a DVD player etc. Overall all the prompts were extremely fair. Most interesting to me were ones allowing you to choose works and films familiar to myself to link with a concept. I found this entertaining as it allowed me to dissect something I admired and made me appreciate it even more.
- Would you recommend using a blog in future course, either in RTF 305 and other undergraduate courses at UT-Austin?
I would highly recommend using a blog in future courses. The blogs require no paper or materials, or textbooks, etc. making the work efficient and less stressful. I also enjoyed the ability to look at other students' blogs to see what my peers are doing and their different perspectives.
- What would you suggest to change or improve the blogging experience in the future?
My experience with blogging went very well and I would only suggest it be used more in other courses. Sharing videos, images, and thoughts between students through this medium is comfortable for me and likely others used to internet interaction/searching.
Yes, you can use my blog in a paper or report.