At first, I wanted to research the idea of live viewing. Which is the theory that at all times everywhere you are on camera and someone, if they please, is watching you. I rejoice every time I sit down to write or design since that day. Because, although Building in Public is a new topic it's not some far out theory. I can't help what I'm interested in on a normal day. If anything Building in Public is a homerun compared to ocean swell analysis or the molecular changes in normal rain and monsoon rain.

The importance of our topic held a lot of weight. I felt challenged immediately. I have taken enough classes at this level to know that the ones that start like this build upon what are at the time seemingly small decisions. 

I have done some scholarly research online before but never at this level. It was freeing to begin to understand how i'd be getting a lot of information moving forward. I had this e-learning developer job where nobody would sit with me. It was during the pandemic but, still. I was scraping the G drive and external drives for content when all I really needed to do was read some journals. It was social work. I could've done that no problem. Which sheds an entire new light on what instructional design means to me. I was lucky before that. I had invested partners who valued my skills. Now, I realize that although the SMEs (subject matter experts) will be guiding my work it is up to me to produce research backed content for modules as well. And cite it!

The synthesizing portion of this course was a growing moment for me. I had written a review at 500 words. When I checked the rubric it needed to be 2,000 words. So, all the time I spent cutting off and polishing the paper had to be undone. I had to turn the ideas inside out to get those words. I wasn't going to make it unless I thought deeply about why it matters to me and why it is important. It matters to me because let's face it, life. I've seen so much go on online at this point in my life that I wish I could delete my browser history. The levels I've reached of cringe and ignorance are astounding. This theory matters because it is about honest business. It recaptures the narrative. Building in Public is about learning and positivity. 

Google forms and I were fast friends. I see myself using this tool immediately when I have time to take clients again. It's an exciting tool that doesn't lag and I'd use it for anything.  Especially follow up notes with coworkers I am designing for. After a meeting, I would draft up a form highlighting what was covered and what they would like to see done like a reiteration from each separate source. I feel like at a certain level we have to justify all of our actions. Forms is preparing me for that.

Data visualization was the most fun of all the modules. I love to design and look at maps. It was a relief to be able to use templates and go back to doing something I am more comfortable with.

What made the PechaKucha fun was timing the slides in advance. I rehearsed each script to be 20 seconds but depending on my delivery it could be shorter or longer. Maybe I added an ad-lib or two. That's what makes people want to listen. It's like this better poster template. https://osf.io/6ua4k We are finally taking responsibility for our audience's attention. A quick delivery with visually striking photos will keep your attention. Although none of my classmates thought my photos made any sense. I guess they didn't get it.

Overall this class took me out of my comfort zone and into what I consider academia. There is a structure to real research. There are best practices. I feel like this knowledge will take my work to the next level. I have studied and designed everything that goes into a website or book besides the content. Now, I am confident in my content.