Task 7

This task was interesting to perform as the mode shifted from visual to audio. The way I presented my initial photo and writing for task 1 was intentional because the medium was visual. Given the visual nature of Brown’s photography project that we performed in task 1, it seems that the goal of the task is self-explanatory: get to know the author given the contents of the bag. In this revised version for task 7, the task is not as self-explanatory. As I have redesigned the delivery to an “I spy” style riddle, this becomes less self-explanatory as the listener must first unpack the clues before figuring out what the objects are. Then, if successful, it can be considered insight into my world.

The New London group poses an interesting question: how do we ensure that differences of culture, language, and gender are not barriers to educational success? This question has stuck with me throughout this task. In the case of this task, my audio recording could be presenting many barriers to success as listeners must figuring out what I am describing. My language, tone, word choices, and more all affect how a listener has perceived my message. My "I spy" audio recording may be easier to understand for some listeners compared to others, and this could be considered a barrier.

As an audio platform with a creative element, I do not think there is the same initial effect as Brown’s photography project. According to the New London group, voice is more individual and personal. However, for the confinements of this task I might have to disagree. In my experience as a teacher, many students are visual learners and prefer to learn this way. This is true for myself and is why I found Brown’s original photo project so interesting.

Additionally, the New London group discusses how written paragraphs are unique as they are never constructed in exactly the same way twice. This idea made me make a connection to task 4 where we were working with manual scripts. The idea of how easily it is to edit written work (typed) came to mind. Similarly, as there is something unique about writing, there is something unique about each person’s individual voice. Keeping on par with task 4, I recorded my audio riddle without any editing. This was difficult when listening back as I was a bit tired of my "umms," but I enjoy the authenticity of this.

So, I wonder, if this task’s (1 and 7) goal is to learn about the author, would most people prefer the design style of a visual image? Or the personalization of hearing their voice?

Here is the link to my audio clip on Youtube.