My Journey and The Evolution of Digital Technology

This week, I’d like to share with you how digital technology and converged media has evolved over the years. I’m going to take you on a short journey through the last decade and a half of my life, with the hopes of showing you how technology has been influential to me. So, come on. Let’s go!

During my junior year in high school, I applied for my first job as a cashier at McDonald’s. Online application process? Not exactly. The local McDonald’s had no online application process at that time. It was all done the traditional way; a pen and paper application. Can you recall your first job and its application process? Perhaps you remember how much more time the application process took back then. For organizations, the advances in technology have been very beneficial, as well. Rather than searching through piles of print applications, they can search key terms to narrow down qualified applicants. As applicants, we are able to create accounts, search for jobs, read job descriptions, complete applications, submit resumes and supporting documents, and even initiate background checks all online. And now, many employers have made the online application process extremely interactive and personalized.

Moving right along…..

Within a few years, by the age of 18, I had my first child. Enjoying a “college life” with friends, rooming in the dorms, and attending college parties was out of the picture for me. Honestly, even attempting college seemed to be out of reach because I now had the responsibility of taking care of my son, which was an absolute blessing. At first, I tried to fit in a class here and there at the local community college when I had the time. Fortunately, I was soon able to take hybrid courses (a course combining online and face-to-face instruction), televised courses, and online courses as the college made them available. To my advantage, course management systems were being developed and utilized for more efficient course interactions. Virtual learning environments were being created for distance learning experiences. Universities were now recording and archiving the class lecture experiences enabling students to learn more and more in non-traditional settings. Textbooks were not only offered in print, but also in audio formats and as eBooks. As time passed and as technology advanced, universities began to offer degree programs 100% online. This was the turning point in which getting my degree actually became an attainable reality for me. Without having to step foot into the university (which is absolutely fine for those who are able), I shopped the online universe to select a school that would be a good fit for me. College ratings and student reviews that are available in the vast amounts of information online came in handy for me.

In 2012, I was able to obtain my Bachelor’s degree. Was obtaining my undergraduate degree a challenge? Of course! Life in itself is a challenge, and digital technology and media convergence has not taken the challenge out of reaching some of our life’s goals. It has, however, brought the efficiency of modality, time, and cost within reach. Technology has afforded me opportunities that at one time in my life seemed impossible, and it has done the same for billions of others in the world. Every minute of my time is important, and it is great to know that I have saved countless hours by taking advantage of virtual learning environments rather than juggling heavy textbooks from class to class, sitting in classroom lectures, having face-to-face team discussions, or even driving to and from the university. No more long lines for registering and paying for classes for me. Technology and the convergence of media has made it possible to use my laptop to review course lectures in text, audio, and video; take quizzes and exams online; communicate with classmates via email, in the class chat rooms, or using Skype; and complete all of my program requirements online with my little ones sitting right next to me, if I so choose.

Who says you can’t be a busy spouse, parent, or working adult and further your education? It is definitely possible, and I am evidence of that. However, not too long ago, with our past technological infrastructures, this may not have been the case. The evolution of digital technology and media convergence has made and is making the seemingly impossible—possible. The online capabilities that are now available in higher education have enabled a vast number of people to obtain their degrees; stay-at-home or busy parents, full-time employees, soldiers, individuals with physical disabilities, and those living abroad.

Not only has digital technology and media impacted higher education, it has been instrumental in our world of entertainment, transportation, and communication; it has opened up job opportunities for many; it has enabled distant relatives and friends to reunite; and it ultimately has provided an epic level of convenience in our lives. Technology has definitely made my life as a wife, mom, student, and even as a military family much easier. Being away from family and friends can be hard on a little old southern girl who had never left the south, let alone leaving behind family and friends.

And, although life seems to be so full and occupied, I always have time for family and friends, and technology has made it that much easier to connect and share. Honestly, I possibly would not be able to connect as much as I do if it were not for what technology has become today. A few years ago, after my husband joined the military, our family relocated over 1500 miles away from family and friends; away from the place we know as home, Texas. Through the development of social networks, such as Myspace, Facebook, and Twitter, I have been able to view and share messages, videos, pictures, and more all on single platforms.  It has helped me stay connected with family, reunite with those that I had not talked to in years, and has even enabled me to meet new friends.

So, you have learned a little more about me this week, and thanks so much for reading. Hopefully this blog has allowed you to see some of how the evolution of technology and media convergence has become an influential part of my journey. Feel free to follow my blog by entering your email at the top right, or visit back next week for more on "My World of Communication" at www.myworldofcomm.blogspot.com.

Welcome to "My World of Communication"

Welcome to "My World of Communication" where I will be exploring the exciting innovations of strategic communications and emerging media. As you may know, I'm Janice, and I'm enthused to be your blogger. This blog is to share with you what I will learn throughout the duration of my current course; COM 6630, Strategic Communications and Emerging Media. 

Why strategic communications you ask? Firstly, because I am an aspiring expert in this field. As a young girl, I always enjoyed writing. I enjoyed it so much that you'd always find me writing letters and messages, and creating "codes" or other creative ways to communicate to others. As I get older, I understand, even more, the importance of effective means of communication. This interest led me to pursue my Masters in Strategic Communication, a program I am currently enrolled in at Troy University. I am all for discovering the best ways to reach an audience. 

My perspective of emerging technologies and strategic communications has broadened over the years, as I have worked in various fields to include business, banking, finance, and education. Yet, one thing has remained the same in each of those fields; the need to communicate to audiences and stakeholders through the most tactical techniques. There is something critical about getting the right message, through the right media, to the right audience, at the right time, and with the right effect. That’s strategic communication. Besides, the communications and media fields seem to be constantly evolving and advancing into something new. And, being a military spouse, I've learned to embrace change, and appreciate the new. 

As I dive into this course, I invite you to journey with me from week to week as I share hot topics with you about strategic communications and emerging media here on my blog; "My World of Communication." Be sure to visit back on a weekly basis at www.myworldofcomm.blogspot.com. Subscribe to receive my blogs once a week (at the top right corner), and if you have any feedback, don’t hesitate to comment.

Has Traditional Media Flatlined?

This week, we’re exploring the topic of traditional mass media; specifically, its future, or lack thereof. Has traditional media flatlined, or is there still a faithful generation that will always contribute to the life of traditional media?

As a wife, mom, and student, among many other responsibilities, I am always on the lookout for fast and relevant information to make my life a little more convenient without compromising my family’s values; many of which are traditional (our values that is). Each morning, as a Christian and avid Bible reader, I pull up the Bible app on my tablet.  This happens significantly more than reaching into the bookshelf in my office that is full of bibles and inspirational books. For daily dinner ideas, I find myself exploring the internet on my laptop, phone, or nifty tablet in search for new recipes, rather than pulling out those cookbooks and magazines in the kitchen drawer that cry out for attention. I’m more inclined to Google homework topics for my oldest son, or even for myself, which seems to be a little easier than loading all of the children into the van to head to the local library throughout the busy work-week. As a student, I find that purchasing books in digital format (eBooks) is a typical go-to for me because of the convenience of time; and “time is of the essence” in a busy world. In “My World,” the use of new media has become increasingly popular, as with many other people over the recent decades. If I can spare a few interruptions of my daily routine and save some time by utilizing new media forms, why not?

Think about it, not too many years ago, we may have received the vast majority of our news and information through mail, but now email has become one of the most convenient mediums. There was a time when turning on the television to watch evening programming was what was "in." Now, using Redbox, Netflix, and Hulu has become increasingly popular.  Perhaps you can recall getting the morning newspaper thrown into your front yard by the paper-boy, or girl. Now, the latest breaking news can be accessed right from our mobile devices. We are constantly logging into social networks to connect with family, friends, to meet new people, or simply to discover what's trending.  We are sharing invigorating stories and photographic images of our live’s right here on the internet. By creating and reading blogs like these, we are experiencing the ever-evolving realm of strategic communications and media. Our day-to-day routines reveal its dynamics and the interactive ways that we can communicate and engage with others. How mind-boggling to think on what has been, what is, and what will be in the world of technology and media because of so many creative minds.

Traditional media is still very popular, especially for specific purposes. For instance, the times I have wanted to buy a vehicle or get into a new apartment or home, I have turned to the local newspapers, advertisements in mailers, or other local guides. More times than not, I have been successful in doing so. When looking for reliable, honest ads, it is not uncommon for consumers to turn to the handy newspaper; actually, a vast majority of Americans do. Traditional media is trusted more by consumers than new forms of media, especially as a means of advertisement because of how easy it has become for individuals to post information online. Though the use of new media is heavily intertwined throughout the fabrics of our day to day lives, traditional media is still notably present and dominant. To think, on a daily basis, a greater percent of the hours we spend on daily media consumption are used consuming television and radio far above other mediums.

You might agree that traditional media is a little less convenient at times. Still, there is something refreshing about picking up a hardback book to study; or flipping through the pages of a magazine to read up on interesting topics. There is something invigorating about sitting with the family to watch an enjoyable movie on scheduled television programming after a long day’s work rather than searching through the long list of movie topics on "on-demand" streaming video. Whatever the case, many people still find the use of traditional media to be pleasantly refreshing.