Looking back now..
I started writing this blog for my Information Systems & Digital Transformation module six weeks ago. To be honest it feels like it’s been two weeks… where did all the time go? I was very excited but mostly surprised when I found out I’d have to do this. While I have some writing experience, I had just completed one module where I had to do a bit more academic writing with Harvard style referencing and whatnot so this was a very welcome change. I’ve found that I prefer a more informal writing style to the academic one as it’s easier for me to express myself in a language that feels more like me. I mean who really uses “thus” and “moreover” in real life. I know I don’t. I love laughing and infusing fun into the things I do, so the laid back and chatty tones I was permitted to use in my blogs made the process so much more enjoyable for me.
This module has been helpful to me in a quite unusual way. I’d just left work and was on my way to my Wednesday seminar session with Karen one day. I walked past two guys who were making passes at me. I politely declined when one of them asked for my number. However, one of them began making lewd gestures at me, walking in my direction while speaking angrily. I half ran away in a panic, looking back over my shoulder to see if he was following me because it was a quiet street. I didn’t realise how much this interaction put me off balance until Karen asked us to write about how our day went and I could only write about that interaction and the panic I felt in that situation. Feelings that I would’ve probably repressed if I wasn’t asked to reflect on them.
While that was a negative experience, it reminded me to always take a moment to think about my experiences or the knowledge I’ve gained before tucking it away. I began reflecting on my lecture sessions when they were over. Whenever I’d feel hurt or overwhelmed by something in my personal life, I found that it was super helpful to put my thoughts down on paper (well, my Notes app) & work through my emotions.
The discussion forum on Blackboard was a really great resource on those days where I had no idea what I was supposed to do now or next. There was a really emotional post by one of my coursemates, Hazel, where she spoke about a family member struggling with dementia and her hopes of technology being able to provide some aid. There were alot of great resources posted on the forum but that was my favorite post because it just reminded me of why I’m here.. to use technology for good and why one of my blogs was about using AI to create more inclusive technologies for the disabled. My goal is to be a digital professional who builds solutions for the often overlooked minority as well.
It was also nice to be able to interact with my course mates and provide helpful info where I could.
I know now that I communicate more effectively when I write my thoughts down, so I think I’m going to start doing some journaling and who knows, one day I might even start a personal blog! I’ve also learned to think more futuristically, and not just based on what I only see as possible right now. I wish I’d began reflecting on my lectures earlier on, but that’s definitely something I’m going to carry on in my other modules.
And I’m excited to announce I’ve also made a plan to take some accessibility trainings at my work and I’m considering a career path in inclusive technologies, so wish me luck!
