LIFE @ NSO!

Three Things I Didn't Know Before…

BOOTCAMP

Realizing I could create a piece of digital media that could impact a group was tremendously exciting for me. Media Bootcamp gave me the opportunity to personalize a production which is near and dear to my heart, the portrayal of African-American males in the media and how certain portrayals affect their psyche. Media Bootcamp also challenged me to educate myself about other forms of media and technology: iMovie, Mac computers, Movie Maker, etc. Bootcamp was the impetus I needed to delve further into creating and using various forms of media to communicate my psychological research.

THE CLASSICS

I also learned that listening to classical music helped my temperament, particularly while I was stressing about creating the short digital piece. Dr. Isbouts did an incredible presentation on the classical arts and music titled "The Persuasive Role of Music." This presentation was thought provoking because I am passionate about music and art. Music is everywhere and evokes a plethora of emotions: rage, happiness, anger, love, injustice, indecision, and praise, just to name a few. The presentation also explained how music, when used behind still images, give a life, thought, and motion to an otherwise tranquil picture.

 

GATEKEEPING

Dr. Dill's presentation on "Gatekeeping and Concepts of Self Media" reinforced views I observed, particularly during the presidential primaries. An audiences' media choice is interesting when choosing broadcasts, questioning whether we choose shows that influence our thinking or reinforce current beliefs. Rachel Maddow, Keith Olberman, Glen Beck, and Sean Hannity are recent "gatekeepers" of the "I commentate" news genre. I did not realize how much and how many of the issues I find interesting, in media and its psychological effects, were going to compliment this program.

Two things To Tell My Colleagues… 

Thinking Outside the Box

Fielding is an intellectual think tank and an innovative institution. Use of web tools like "Second Life," to bring students and professors together in a virtual arena, the diversity of interests related to Media Psychology and the unique learning plan are all reasons to label Fielding and cutting edge and innovative. NSO demonstrated the broad array of course designs and knowledge areas students can choose. Fielding is visionary in adult learning and will challenge the status quo.

 

"We'll Always Have Santa Barbara"

Santa Barbara is absolutely beautiful. This might seem like a vain reason for telling colleagues about the NSO experience. But spending a week in Santa Barbara was a well needed change from my everyday life. The ocean side view, great service at the Hotel Mar Monte, and stimulating intellectual discussions were better than any brick and mortar setting I have attended, and I've been to the best.

One Change I Will Make in My Professional Life… 

>Humble Myself and Live<

The Elder article, "Critical Thinking in Everyday Life: 9 Strategies" will probably serve as the most useful tool in my professional life. The 5 stages required for development as a critical thinker have served as a catalyst for changing my views on research and writing. Along with the stages for development as a critical thinker, the first action I plan to implement into my professional life is improving my use of "wasted time." Distractions tend to lead to unproductive results. Solitaire, youtube, and on-line trivia, are outlets to keep my brain stimulated, yet they do not result in effective use of time. I am hoping my down time will turn to production time.