The year is coming to a close and my first college experience has been an educating and worthwhile. I wasn't entirely sure what to expect when I applied for the program, but I feel that I've taken some important steps forward when it comes to developing my niche and my understanding of journalism. We've had a multitude of different courses, each specific and beneficial to the world of journalism. From grammar, to vocal techniques, developing story ideas and learning important skills on the Internet, this course has taken me beyond my initial expectation.
When I began the course, I had my blinders set on the world of professional sports broadcasting. Looking back now, I was oblivious to how vast and expansive the world of journalism is, and the necessary skills that are required to become a successful journalist. I still aspire to work within the sporting world one day; however, I now have a new found appreciation for news and the means in which to broadcast it.
One thing I know I've taken away from this program, is that I feel I'm more in tune with what's going on around me, and I've found myself critiquing and assessing different news programs and shows. Now that I understand some of the technical sides of production and newswriting, it's interesting to sit back and take an objective view while I'm watching a show or reading a newspaper. This course has added another level to my 'journalistic perception', and I'm looking forward to becoming even more involved with this program and different projects in second year.
This summer, I'll be back in my hometown of Barrie, ON, working and making money to survive in Hamilton once again in the fall. I hope to get back to my musical roots over the next few months and play a lot of acoustic shows around the city. While I have some time away from school, I want to focus on my music a little more. Music is a big part of my life and has been for the last ten years. Before I came to school, I had the opportunity to perform in two different music groups that were signed to a label in Toronto. We did some exciting things, and I've had that musical 'itch' ever since. I have a website, www.cambrown.ca, and I hope I'll be doing some things that will warrant an update on my site! Either way, I'm going to use my time off school to work and involve myself in music once again.
This school year has been a great motivator when it comes to my outlook and aspirations about my future in journalism. I look forward to using the summer to think about how to attack my second year, and how I can best contribute to the Broadcast Journalism program at Mohawk College.
Cam Brown
The world we live in today is truly an age of information. That in itself sounds like an understatement. Technology is increasing at a rapid rate and new sciences and discoveries are being unveiled. Computers and the Internet have led us into an era that could very well be ahead of our time. Advancements in countless areas of technology bode well for the economy and the development of future societies and projects; however, the human mind is finding it hard to keep up with the fast, changing pace of technology.
With the Internet evolving and endless amounts of data available at anyone's disposal, it's beginning to become hard for the average person to comprehend and accept what they're given as information; whether they realize it or not.
According to this website, Human Bandwidth, it's difficult for someone to read more than a few web pages comfortably on a computer screen. A user's first reaction when boredom or distraction arises is to look away, or try to find another source that's more user friendly. This 'scanning' of information doesn't leave the user with a solid base from which to learn, and proper academic techniques are becoming harder to instill and remember.
It's rather ironic that I'm writing a blog about Human Bandwidth on a day that I attended a function that former U.S. President Bill Clinton spoke at. The website I've posted above includes a picture of another former president, John F. Kennedy, and explains that he had a famously wide bandwidth. After listening to Clinton speak, it became clear to me that the knowledge that he possessed was far greater than the average person. In thirty minutes, he spoke with intelligent passion about numerous worldwide issues that affect us globally, and it seemed as if he just 'touched the surface' on these topics. There's no doubt in my mind that he could have given a two hour speech on any of the issues he discussed without breaking a sweat. I compare him to a modern-day, human encyclopedia. His bandwidth is vast, and he can process and access incredible amounts of information with impressive speed. Obviously, not everyone is going to have the drive and the motivation to learn and succeed as Bill Clinton does, but it's his practise and work ethic that's becoming a dying breed among modern day civilians.
After researching and reading about human bandwidth, I feel that going back to basic education techniques and thorough textbook practises would benefit the youth of today, as well as adults. I think reading is becoming a lost art, with an abundance of online websites and services contributing to discouraging people from learning and expanding their knowledge the 'old fashioned way'. I think websites like these will continue to evolve and flood the Internet with entertaining, yet, time-wasting alternatives to reading.
As we move forward, and as the years pass, it's a scary thought to think that the machines of today's world will eventually outsmart our brains. It's important that we stay properly educated and informed throughout our everyday lives. Unlike computer bandwidth, we can't pay money to upgrade our minds...
Cam Brown
