Web Presence

Facebook is my only trace of a web presence, and even then, it’s a half-hearted, attempt at one. I’m not very active and when I do make a statement, it’s generally short and in response to someone else.

It’s difficult to interpret the message that I’m sending when looking from the inside out, but I’d like to think that there’s nothing particularly incriminating on my digital footprint. However, I think a lack of a flavor could be seen as sort of flavor. When compared to another more active profile, it could be seen as though I’m not as up to date, incompetent, or even as some sort of technophobe. How would my apathetic Facebook page compare to someone committed to a full-fledged website or blog? Web presence is a valid tool for potential employers; it’s inevitable that what I do on the internet here and now will be available to the public for years to come.

The idea of privacy on the web is an illusion, and I would do well to keep that in mind but lack of privacy shouldn't be seen as a negative; it’s more of a double-edged blade. Web presence should be considered a dynamic and practical resume; to fail to utilize the internet would be just as foolish as considering it as a self-contained, private diary.

Semester Reflection

My original hybrid course was an accident; I saw a class that met once a week for an hour and—as a freshman—jumped at the chance. It didn’t take long to find out that the online assignments and modules were just as important—if not more than—the face-to-face classes.

I found the freedom appealing; I could finish my assignments as early or as late as I wanted. Since this was a portfolio class, the only pace I was obligated to follow was my own. If I had other assignments from other classes, I was free to move my English work around.

After having so much success in the English 1101 course, I went ahead and signed up for the hybrid 1102 course. The use of technology was far from daunting; those who grew up in the nineteenth centaury should have no problem keeping up with BlazeView; for one, it’s a lot easier to use than Facebook.

I wasn’t particularly dreading any of the assignments. I did, however, have a harder time with the human interest piece. I’ve never been particularly good at writing creatively or emotionally. The magazine assignment was my favorite; it was straightforward, simple, and responsibility was shared between the class. If we had more time, it might have been possible to organize with the other classes, but we did the best we could with what we had.

The revision process was always the same. I’d find myself revising my drafts after submitting my initial draft and then revising it further after the peer review. Feedback from the professor was always more useful than feedback from my peers, though.

The wiki wasn’t particularly useful. I did most of my own research rather than using the wiki since most of it seemed so inapplicable. The wiki was divided into very large topics; we were expected to think deeply and specialize. Just so much of the information in the wiki couldn’t be applied to my topic.

Ghost grades and the revision process were helpful but they were a necessity. I couldn’t imagine going through the course without feedback.

The idea that everything is an argument had never been presented to me before these hybrid classes. It’s a very practical and useful approach to writing—one that would definitely find uses in the real world. It’s a technique that’ll definitely see use from here on.

I knew the importance—and dangers—of having a strong web presence when this course began. I have a stronger web presence now, but it’s not something I plan on keeping up with. Perhaps in the future, I’ll commit to a portfolio; I’m definitely more willing to consider it now than I was before.