I am not a very technically savvy person and the PADA class has expanded my view of not only the usefulness of the web and multi-media but of the growing necessity of it as means of communication – especially with younger generations. I really had no idea that so many free software programs for multi-media existed and that has really opened me, and society, up to a new level of creativity and communication. I love taking pictures and was really excited to see how I could use photography as a tool to create a presentation in a professional environment. 

The most striking element of the class was just how advanced governments could become by using technology. In contrast, my work environment is fairly low-tech but is becoming more advanced. I definitely see a great generation gap in some at work and wonder how younger generations will change government given what is possible in the digital age. I have been told that state government in Ohio will see huge turnover in the next five years as half of its employees retire.

                Although I am an MPA I have enjoyed having students from other backgrounds in the class. In particular it has been interesting to learn about what impact the internet is having on the newspaper industry and reporting in general as staff is reduced by productivity expectations remain. Although I find some of the blogs to be interesting in terms of citizen journalism I am still uncomfortable leaving the established media outlets. There is some security in the belief that there are checks and balances within a newsroom that doesn’t happen in citizen reporting. I think citizen reporting can be complementary to traditional media but it lacks a certain professional accountability.

                It will be interesting to see what elements of the web remain interactive in an ongoing loop. It is one thing to send something out into the world and to get a response but to continue the conversation is an entirely different thing. 

Sarah Curtin 3.7.2008