Jake Heimburger Introduction

Greetings,

My name is Jake Heimburger and I am a second-year undergraduate at University of Denver pursuing a B.S. in Computer Science with a minor in Emergent Digital Practices. I am currently on the board of the DU Computer Science Club, (which is more affectionately known as DUCS), and the DU Programming Board (otherwise known as DUPB).

Although my major is in computer science, I am really looking forward to discovering any available opportunities for creative outlets over the course of the next few years through EDP classes. EDP seems to offer an interesting mixture of visually inventive and imaginative right-brain thinking in combination with technically-minded, rational left-brain thinking, so I hope to further develop an understanding of how technology plays a role in expression and communication as well as the impact that the interplay between people and devices can have on society at large.

Similar to many other people, I consume a ton of media daily, and the massive amount of communication at my fingertips has had a major effect on my interactions with others. I love watching YouTube videos and Netflix as well as browsing Reddit for entertainment purposes and connect with people through SnapChat, Groupme, text, Discord and email. Any form of online content sharing really piques my interests. I also used to enjoy playing video games pretty regularly but really haven't had the time for it nowadays. Since I'm no longer as an intensive gamer, I try to find short, fun and meaningful indie games to play when I can. For instance, I recently started playing a game called The Witness created by the same person who made the hit indie game Braid.

I hope to come out of this class with a better understanding of how the media that I consume everyday impacts my thoughts, emotions, and relationships with other people. Part of me loves the capabilities and freedoms I've gained with having a personal phone and computer where I can find as much content as I want, when I want, but at the same time, I think restraint and a better understanding of the reality around me would benefit my attitudes towards personal and social situations. I also want to be able to pinpoint how technology and social media has shaped what I find meaningful in life and in the activities I choose to participate in.

Comments

  1. TraceApril 2, 2018 at 9:41 AM

    Hi Jake, nice to meet you here. You've articulated some excellent goals for the class that situate you within that middle ground of experience that I've described in class. Balance of our "selves" with our "media" seems to be key to the meaningfulness and healthiness of our situation.

    ReplyDelete

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