Reflecting on the course work of this semester so far, I can honestly say that I have learned many things regarding digital elements and how to use them. From writing HTML/CSS and webpage development to creating maps and storylines, I have expanded my knowledge exponentially. Regarding my WordPress site and webpage, I have streamlined everything. For instance, my Dashboard has had the Quick Draft and Welcome sections removed to avoid clutter, and I have the Activity and News sections right at the top. For my own personal webpage, I have added a new color scheme centered on blue. I added a new image about states’ rights on segregation during the Jim Crow era and I changed the section format, giving it a new flair that pops. These changes reflect my personality by being precise, neat, and organized. I do not like an overload of visuals and information, but I am a visual learner, so I am always trying to find a balance between the two.
Throughout the semester, we were required to make and publish numerous blog posts. One that I am particularly proud of is the “Exploring Safari” post. This post was about the Smithsonian’s exhibit on military aviation and reconnaissance and since I plan to purse a professional career as a pilot, this topic interests me heavily. I learned how digital elements can really influence not just public perception, but military strategy and geopolitics. I even learned that early military aviation set the groundwork for private airline regulations and guidelines. Making this post was not just interesting, but fun. It almost made me forget that it was schoolwork. Link: https://jweiss451.com/blog/exploring-safari/
This semester, we created a webpage using HTML/CSS and this skills assessment was by far my favorite. I learned so much and I learned how to search for code that I did not know. I found several websites that help with HTML and CSS. This website was used to make an exhibit about The Green Book, which was a navigational aid used by Black patrons to travel safely through the segregated South. This assessment stood out to me as a milestone because I did not know anything about webpage development, and I am going to use this website and the knowledge I gained to make a personal website for my aviation career in the future. Link: file:///C:/Users/jacks/Desktop/HTMLCSS/index.html
I would like to expand on my HTML skills and web development, and I would like to go back and revise my Timeline. The timeline skills assessment was a little confusing to get the hang of and I feel like I rushed it to meet the deadline. I want to go back in and take my time with it, and it behooves me to do so because I plan to use it as a digital element for my final project. I have done loads of research on my topic and feel confident with the knowledge I have on it already. Overall, this semester has been a good one. I have enjoyed this class so far and I can honestly say that I will use the digital elements in the future for various things regarding school and work.