I decided to use the format of a blog instead of presenting in a traditional essay format for a number of reasons. The first being that I believe that the multifaceted platform that the internet provides is beneficial to my presentation as it adds another dimension. It allows the incorporation of media into my “essay”, which is essential as the topic I’ve chosen holds its core in music. As I’ve narrowed the topic to define it in a Chinese perspective, it is best if examples of the songs referred to are provided. Thus, the logical choice was a free blog as time was an issue, thus not being convenient to create a free standing website. My lack of technical ability also hindered my doing so. However, being an avid blogger, my skill level suited this choice perfectly, and I was able to take advantage of the ability to embed various types of media into my blog entries with ease.
This method also provides a feeling of authenticity, as being able to embed the relevant materials, such as songs, is almost like providing evidence. Along with this, it provides further knowledge for the audience, as it fills the background knowledge of the pieces mentioned and examined, which may otherwise not be known. It is an experience, as some things cannot be described in words. By choosing this presentation technique it incorporates the senses, or at least the sense of hearing. It has also provided the option to include supplementary information regarding to the topic without being a hindrance to the audience, as they have the choice in what to read, watch or listen, and when.
Another reason for my decision is due to the fact that as a consequence of my first year of university, I have discovered that I much prefer contemporary formats over that of traditional presentation. I find non-traditional presentations much more interesting, as they’re usually more interactive and rousing then the same old monotony that tradition provides. I have tried to make my previous university assessments more interesting by employing more interactive methods when possible, and wanted to continue keeping up this challenge with this assessment. I feel that innovative presentations are beneficial to all as when they’re enjoyable and interactive, it is much easier to pay attention, thus taking more knowledge in and learning more as a result. This applies to both students and teachers, who must get sick of the same routine over and over again. A new take is like a fresh breath of air.
The use of a blog also allows for greater interactivity. This is evident through the use of links, which can connect ideas unobtrusively, and allows the reader to make decisions. Although I’ve set the blog up in a traditional linear, chronological format, it is possible, if the user chose to do so, to stray from this format and discover the blog as they wish. It has also allowed me to include extra information that I would not have otherwise been able to include. This is most evident in the link list that I have provided with further information on the various Asian artists I’ve mentioned throughout my essay. Readers are not forced to do anything; it is up to them how much they want to take in. They have the option to look further into the information I’ve provided, as it is not essential, just extra. In the same way, it is not necessary to watch any of the embedded videos, however, by doing so a wealth of extra information is provided.
Lastly, I believe that choosing a blog format not only makes my “essay” a lot more aesthetically pleasing (see: embedded images), but it also makes reading it a lot more fun! After all, learning is meant to be fun, is it not?
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