What Did I Get from This Course?

Question

Required Materials
Word processing software
Graphic design software (optional)
Audio recording device (optional)
Can you believe you’ve almost completed this course? Before everything wraps up, use this time to think about what you’ve learned.

Step 1: Think Back to Assess
Consider your personal experience as you answer these questions:

Reflection 1: What answers did I find? What questions do I still have? For example:

What topics would I like to research further—either independently, or as part of my future formal education?
What books or articles would I interpret differently now, based on what I’ve learned in this course?
What did I learn that inspired me?
Reflection 2: If I had a chance to redo this process, what would I change? For example:

What do I know now that I wish I knew when I started this course?
How did my cumulative project topic evolve over the course?
What practical skills did I learn through this coursework that would have been useful to have earlier?
Reflection 3: How can I communicate what I’ve learned to others? For example:

Have I written social media posts about anything I’ve learned?
Have I had interesting discussions with other people about the topics we’ve covered?
If I had to sum up what this course was about in one or two sentences (to inform someone else interested in taking the course, for example), what would I say?
Step 2: Express Your Thoughts
After you’ve given the reflection questions some thought, decide how you will express your thoughts. You could add to a reflection you previously created in this course or you could create something completely new. You could write, create a visual, or record an audio. You might even think of another way to showcase what you’ve learned.

Whatever format you use to express your thoughts, save and submit it to your instructor when it is complete.

Answer 1

Reflection on the Course Experience

Step 1: Think Back to Assess

Reflection 1: What answers did I find? What questions do I still have?

1. What topics would I like to research further?

   • I found a strong interest in graphic design principles and how they apply to digital communication. I'd like to delve deeper into color theory and how design influences user experience.
   • Additionally, I'm curious about content strategies for social media and how different platforms impact audience engagement.

2. What books or articles would I interpret differently now?

   • After exploring the concept of visual storytelling, I would approach “The Elements of User Experience” by Jesse James Garrett with a more nuanced perspective. I now understand the importance of integrating design and narrative to create impactful content.
   • Articles on digital marketing strategies would also benefit from my new knowledge, particularly in understanding how to craft messages that resonate with specific audiences.

3. What did I learn that inspired me?

   • Learning about storyboarding and the process of creating a narrative visually inspired me to consider how powerful visual aids can be in enhancing communication. This will greatly influence how I approach presentations and projects in the future.

Reflection 2: If I had a chance to redo this process, what would I change?

1. What do I know now that I wish I knew when I started this course?

   • I wish I had known the importance of planning and research before diving into projects. Having a solid understanding of my audience and their needs from the outset would have made my work more focused and effective.

2. How did my cumulative project topic evolve over the course?

   • Initially, my project centered on basic graphic design techniques. However, as I learned more about user experience and narrative, I shifted my focus to creating a comprehensive social media marketing campaign that applies these concepts.

3. What practical skills did I learn through this coursework that would have been useful earlier?

   • Acquiring skills in using graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Illustrator) and basic audio recording techniques proved invaluable. Mastering these skills earlier in the course would have significantly improved my project outcomes.

Reflection 3: How can I communicate what I’ve learned to others?

1. Have I written social media posts about what I’ve learned?

   • Yes, I’ve shared insights about visual storytelling on my personal blog and posted tips on platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn.

2. Have I had interesting discussions with others?

   • I engaged in thoughtful discussions with classmates about the implications of design in everyday communication, particularly in digital formats. These conversations deepened my understanding and provided diverse perspectives.

3. If I had to sum up what this course was about in one or two sentences, what would I say?

   • This course explored the intersection of graphic design and communication, emphasizing the importance of visual storytelling and audience engagement strategies to effectively convey messages in a digital landscape.

Step 2: Express Your Thoughts

To express these reflections, I will create a visual infographic that summarizes my key takeaways and thoughts on the course. The infographic will include sections for:

• Topics of interest for further research
• Book/article reflections
• Inspirational learnings
• What I would change if I retraced my steps
• Key skills acquired
• How I plan on sharing my knowledge with others

After completing the infographic, I will save it as a PDF and submit it to my instructor for review. This format not only encapsulates my learning journey but also serves as a creative means to communicate my insights clearly and effectively.