I’ve just returned from my first lecture in ‘Networked Media Production’ where I pretended to blend in with the youngsters (I’m hoping this bravado will see me through the technical aspects of this unit).
Although I’m quite sure I don’t exactly blend in with my fellow students, which may be partly due to the fact that my shoes make ‘grown-up-working-lady’ sounds, I’m hopeful that perhaps (in some way) … I might just be a step ahead of the youngsters (of course, I’ll probably want to retract this bold statement at some stage).
I’m beginning to realise how the media arts industry is, and may always be, one that is constantly shifting and progressing. This makes me wonder if I will cope, in the ongoing race to keep up, but I realise that I’ve already adapted to change. I’ve embraced many changes (and resisted a few too) … with the realisation that I can and will adjust.
Yes, I did have a black and white television as a child (eeek)! I was also the proud owner of a second-hand camera, which I carefully loaded with film, whilst anticipating a special trip to the harbour to take photos of seagulls and crabs. I gave consideration to each photo before clicking the button, and diligently wound it on after each shot – unless I wanted to create some cool ghost-like figures in my next photo of course!
Once the roll of film came to it’s end, I unloaded it in the dark (just in case) and walked to the local chemist. While I stood in a line, I considered whether it was worth ordering a double set, completed a form and handed over my precious film.
After waiting several days for the film to be processed, I ran to the shops and handed over some cash that I’d earnt serving coffees around the corner. Upon finding the nearest semi-private place to compose myself, I ripped open the envelope and eagerly filed through the photos, holding the edges so very carefully to avoid fingerprints.
Phew, what a process, but having said all that … even I take the digital age for granted!
I have also enjoyed the freedom of not being expected to be contactable at all times (ie. having my mobile always on, charged and answered, along with several email accounts, a myspace page, facebook page, msn, etc). I do have a mobile phone, but this is where I have resisted the change (with varying levels of success and dissappointment).
My mobile isn’t always answered, sometimes I don’t check my messages for weeks, and I admit that perhaps this is a little rude … but I can’t help it, because I fondly recall the days when I’d meet my friend for a 20 cent bag of lollies, while I put a letter in the mailbox to a friend who lived 30 minutes drive away.
Having successfully used the ‘follow-your-nose-and-ask-questions’ technique many times (particularly in the days that preceeded the almighty GPS), I’m hopeful that I can grasp the technical aspects ahead. I don’t expect it to be easy, but perhaps that’s exactly why I do bother with study.
I do have a decent job and I could be doing other things, but I’d rather just turn off my mobile than sacrifice the challenge (and joy) of learning something new.
Taken from my first blog, orignally written and published on Blogger, 8th Feb 2010.
SMackdown! 