Digital Literacy Snapshot - Julianna Durham

Video link here: https://youtu.be/7UZjqShQQwY

The process (and warning):

PowToon seemed like a prime application for this video - it offered a free trial, including use to exclusive features, with no precursor about the limitations of said trial.Imagine my heartbreak when after hours of work, I go to export and am swiftly denied due to my trial status. I could download, but only on the condition that I paid $140, or removed all “premium” content, which left me scrambling to start from scratch today. However, I appreciate the way that this experience with PowToon further demonstrated just how profit-centric the internet and the act of online creation has become. Additionally, as someone who typically would shy away from taking on a graphic project like this, I'm proud I went for it and developed a skill that I anticipate using in different staged of my career.

The summary: 

Reflecting on your own behavior is always the most difficult. Often, I mentally map out my thoughts and experiences emotionally rather than in a linear fashion, seeking larger connective themes - this is what drove the narrative I shared and what sites I selected. I evaluated impact based on which sites had the most affected my social and digital development, especially in the context of the growth (or lack) of my digital literacy. However, when the video was completed, I realized just how pessimistic I had become about social media - even after experiencing the benefits of using it as a professional tool, when at one point I (begrudgingly) managed the social media accounts of elected officials. After being forced to confront how negatively my mindset had shifted towards a digital infrastructure that had allowed me to connect with my peers and family for years and realistically, helped me survive the pandemic, I look forward to keeping more of an open mind in the future.