Chantae Hendrix's Mastery Journal

Take two. I neglected to follow instructions, therefore had to repeat this course. I felt devastated and was ready to accept my fate. I felt like I signed on for way too much.  Thankfully, I was given a second opportunity to showcase my skillset. My goals were to do better than last time in efforts to develop and improve upon my research and investigative skills, determine methods for obtaining first-hand knowledge, discover how to validate conclusions, and build credible sources.  

My actual takeaways were the importance of having newsworthy events lined up to write about and creating/incorporating quality infographics to show vs tell what the story is about. Whereas currently the beat of my blog site is about community enrichment, due to my strategic nature, creating insightful and attractive infographics is a work in progress.  I am still contemplating my niche and the content that I would like to focus my blog site on. I am still leaning towards a focus on how to write about Yoga. As for learning how to create infographics, I am very proud of this one that I recently created for my current employer regarding a promotion announcement.  

Infographic (MicroSoft-PowerPoint Shapes) created by Chantae Hendrix Sept 26, 2019.  

This class payed off. The employee had so much history with the company, that I had to quickly decide the best way to convey his history and experience.  The information was disseminated within the organization.

Also, as I reflect, I learned how to prepare for, conduct, and conclude interviews, and, follow up with interviewees.  Most importantly, I learned how to professionally communicate the request for a deadline. During week 4, I was required to interweave quotes from an expert from the “feeding children everywhere” organization.  Surprisingly, soliciting an expert opinion was not a daunting task.  I solicited feedback via e-mail to the Public Relations Manager, the VP of Investor Relations and through the contact us portal via their webpage.  I received feedback within 24 hours of my request. Score! 

The video tutorials provided during the course were the most helpful, because the instructor provided examples of the types of questions to ask. I can see where it would be challenging to validate conclusions, whereas most people may not pick up their phone or respond to an e-mail address they don’t recognize.  Although not recommended, when I solicited the expert opinions, I did mention that I am student, studying journalism, I honestly feel this helped me to get the information to validate conclusions.  

Everything that I have learned from this course and the others before will help me in my career as a journalist to get my audience to trust that I have thoroughly done my research for the validity of stories. 

Five courses down, seven to go. The discipline of staying the course is the most challenging. I don’t know exactly where this path will lead me, but I do know that I will have gained a wealth of knowledge and will be a stronger communicator as a result. No one can take that away from me.

I told my boss; I am ready to quit every day. However, in these moments, I remind myself of the reward. Again, it is the discipline that is challenging to complete the course work each week, especially on those days when you’re just not feeling it.  

I think that I have finally found a balance and have learned how to incorporate “fun” time, and take the breaks from the coursework and know that I can and will get it done and still be able to take that weekend getaway or attend a professional sports game even if it is mid-week.  

This month for the research and investigative skills course, my goals were to discover how to validate conclusions, consider alternative approaches, and to learn how to build credible resources.   My actual takeaways were, the importance of creating and publishing quality infographics, incorporating resourceful links into articles, how to search for “official” public records, and avoiding interview pitfall techniques.  

The most challenging part of the course was analyzing the interview techniques of the articles chosen by my cohorts. Whereas we were required to analyze the technique vs the content, what made it challenging is that not all the articles/interviews were in a video format rather they were written which proposed a unique challenge to analyze the actual techniques utilized by the journalist/reporter. Other challenges were the topics chosen. They weren’t necessarily articles of my interest.  Overall, I am grateful for the experience, which made me think outside the box and really take a deep dive from another perspective to provide an objective and intelligent analysis.   

“Life isn’t about finding yourself. It’s about creating yourself.” by George Bernard Shaw

Legal Aspects of Media 

Chantae Hendrix 

Full Sail University 

Abstract 

Within the course, Legal Aspects of Media, my goals were to learn how traditional media laws apply to the internet, conduct independent research and apply solutions-solutions based critical thinking skills.  I learned how to use Key Note software, about case law on the realm of intrusion, defamation, copyright infringement, deceptive practices, and commercial speech.  

Legal Aspects of Media 

I found it very challenging to remain focused.  Taking this class, reading, reviewing and analyzing intrusion, defamation, copyright, deception and protection of commercial speech law cases reminded me to slow down so that I can gather and report on all the facts. I learned that reading through these cases requires a lot of patience.   

 In Week 1 we covered Intrusion Case Analysis.  I had to read the case assignment multiple times and brainstorm with my coworker as I initially missed pertinent facts and would have answered the questions inaccurately.  I laughed when I viewed a reply by one of my classmates that perceived I have a passion for “legal.”  I don’t, it’s a habit for me to make things as clear, and succinct as possible thereby leaving nothing to question. I am one of those people that has a short attention span and can easily get lost in the details. Being mindful, I strive to be concise.   

Week 2 I learned how to use the Key Note software application and include narration. The brief tutorial and succinct instructions provided by the course director made it very simple to follow the steps on how to create the presentation and what was needed for submission of the assignment.   I enjoyed using keynote. This is exactly what I need to improve my verbal speaking skills. I now can use this as practice to hear how I sound.  It’s eye opening to hear my voice inflection and where the emphasis of my word’s land.  I recognize there are areas of opportunity.  Key Note narration brought forth the reality, that although, reading, writing and speaking are all connected, just because an individual is strong in one, doesn’t necessarily mean they are strong in all 3.   It will be great to utilize this software both on a personal and professional level.  Personally, I can put narration with photos and more. Professionally, I can use it for creating tutorials at work.   

Week 3, we covered copyright.  Surprisingly, it was confusing, not cut and dry. I learned that length of copyright, and death of copyright owner all plays into the equation of legal use.  This was news to me. I hadn’t really thought much about copyright laws prior to this course. I now realize that I must be very careful prior to publishing any content whether it be photos, quotes, videos with music, etc.  In efforts to avoid copyright infringement, it is imperative to first seek written permission. 

Week 4, I learned the importance of analyzing the potential legal consequences with deceptive advertising, and the preventative measure that I would practice, to protect myself and the business brand. Overall, the Legal Aspects of Media course reminded me on the importance of remaining objective, to examine the details very carefully and to publish with clarity. 

References 

Legal Aspects of Media. (n.d.). Retrieved August 4, 2019, from https://online.fullsail.edu/class_sections/47055/course/about 

I enjoyed the week off. It was a much needed time to decompress from classes and work. I had to remind myself of the reward and that I am fortunate to be afforded this opportunity to further my education.

Three classes down. Nine to go. Somehow, I managed to pull off coordinating a meeting for 300 people, teaching six yoga classes and meeting my schoolwork deadline. I am so grateful for the school break this week

Writing for Interactive Media 

Author: Chantae Hendrix 

Full Sail University 

Abstract 

My goal was to examine new ways of storytelling. I am grateful to say, I received more than I bargained for. The worksheet assignments, along with a few of the lynda.com tutorials were very helpful. They provided valuable insight on how to write newsworthy articles. Writing news articles from a journalistic third person point of view was an uncharted territory. It was following the course director’s feedback that I was able to shift my perspective and restructure the essential elements of a story. I also have formed a better understanding and appreciation of how challenging it can be for someone trying to learn grammar rules. Just as Judy Steiner Williams mentions (Grammar Foundations) “there’s only one chance to make a first good impression, and correct grammar sets the tone for the intended message.”  I am so glad that grammar was drilled into my head during middle school.  

Grammar rules are overwhelming. Therefore, I was only able to view a little bit of the grammar foundations video. Based off the plethora of rules, I doubt that I would do well on an actual exam let alone teach them to an adult. A couple years ago, I was asked to tutor an adult on grammar. Upon reviewing the subjects writing style, it was evident that she needed to enlist the help of a professional. I suggested that she begin with some online tutorials or sign up for an adult instructor led grammar course.  

I gathered a lot of takeaways from Lisa Cron’s The Craft of Story. Her approach worked well with me. She broke down the definitions and the importance of the story elements as they pertain to the plot, protagonist, and antagonist.  At first, I found the latter two terms to be intimidating, but Cron’s methods as demonstrated in her lynda.com videos provided much needed clarity. I took a lot of notes from her tutorials. The most helpful was the “if then, therefore logic.” I can see how that will work every time. Perhaps I already use that logic in my everyday general conversations and when making suggestions at work.   Now I will be able to incorporate these concepts when generating newsworthy articles. 

References 

Steiner-Williams, J. (2014, August 22). Grammar Foundations. Retrieved June 09, 2019, from https://www.lynda.com/Business-Business-Skills-tutorials/Grammar-Foundations/158318-2.html 

LisaCron. (2013, January 31). Writing: The Craft of Story. Retrieved June 15, 2019, from https://www.lynda.com/Business-Skills-tutorials/Writing-Fundamentals-Craft-Story/89962-2.html 

New Media Communications  

Author: Chantae Hendrix 

Full Sail University 

Sharon Tutrone’s testimonials (video blog post, n.d)) whereby she was teaching five days a week, working full time and pursuing her master’s degree assured me I too can make this happen.  I felt a sense of ease after listening to her reflections specifically the statement that she was lacking in new media knowledge and experience.  Perhaps I would have felt more at ease if I had access to her story during the first month of courses.  It would have given me a more realistic perspective on time management and eased a lot of unnecessary anxiety.   

I was so nervous about completing my school work that I was giving less availability to the Yoga studio for teaching. I had this sense of no spare time. However, just as Sharon mentioned, I now realize that it takes 3 weeks to create a habit, of which I may not have been able to absorb this concept until after week 3 of the first course. Therefore, in week 4 of New Media Communications, I am now able to maintain a better balance between working a full-time job, teaching yoga part time, taking courses and maintaining a personal relationship.   I am grateful to have had the opportunity to hear Sharon Tutrone’s story.  

In addition to the work-life-school balance, I was glad Sharon shared her tips on interviewing. Interviewing is not my strength. However, I plan to adopt her approach whereby she acts like the person she admires the most. Also, during open interview discussion, she sparks up conversations about items in the room. Both concepts will help me display more confidence and lessen my anxiety. 

 

As I am a novice when it comes to new media, I had everything to learn.  I am grateful for the worksheet approach utilized by Course Director Meredith Cochie. Being that this is a master’s degree I wasn’t sure if the expectations were that I already had experience with some of the social media platforms.  That wasn’t the expectation at all.  The video’s, blog examples, and prompt feedback were mentally overwhelming and very helpful. The Gap by Ira Glass (Frohlockecom, n.d)  along with Meredith’s consistent reminder that “it’s going to take a while,” kept me on point.   

My biggest challenges were sifting through the multiple lines of instructions and getting my ideas to mesh. I didn’t want to miss anything, and my brain was overflowing with ideas. As I recall in mastery, I had to force myself to step away and take breaks. I began feeling overwhelmed as I was trying to “eat the whole” pie at once. I should have known better. Quality work involves quality time.   

My goal was to develop digital literacy.  After reading and viewing the recommended articles and videos, this opened my eyes to the world of successful blogging and the concepts of newsworthy articles.  I learned how to best utilize twitter and tips to create a content specific blog site.  I created a practice site and deleted the content multiple times. I had a ton of topics and then realized that would be a lot to maintain and it would not be a content specific focus.   

I am happy to close out the second course of new media journalism and I am grateful for the exposure that I have gained with the new media platforms. I look forward to creating and building the blog sites. I can see how one can get absorbed in creating them.  

References  

[Video blog post]. (n.d.). Retrieved June 01, 2019, from https://fso-lms4-immortal-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/1118/20195/d7c45da6-7b32-4c3c-b193-cf491c6466e6-2f651339-cacc-42d4-96be-badbdf5228db/NMC_Week1_May2019.mp4?response-content-disposition=inline&X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Date=20190601T182334Z&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Credential=AKIAI4QJ7YJDQ7JYMBXQ/20190601/us-east-1/s3/aws4_request&X-Amz-Signature=98e37068c311d8450c68422a3bfb82bb027f1ae74c3f4567de74efb69e000141  

Frohlockecom. (n.d.). THE GAP by Ira Glass. Retrieved June 01, 2019, from  https://vimeo.com/85040589