This semester in Interactive Media Applications was a valuable experience. The two projects I completed were the 360-degree hiking video and the June Anderson Center promotional videos. Both gave me a chance to explore new forms of storytelling while building skills in video production, editing, and audience engagement.
Likes and Dislikes
What I liked most about the class was the freedom to be creative. Working on the 360 hiking video was a completely new experience. I enjoyed being outside and figuring out how to capture the viewer’s attention with a different format. I also enjoyed the June Anderson Center videos because they pushed me to think more strategically about how to keep content engaging and clear. Getting feedback and collaborating in class also helped me grow. My partner was great! She equally contributed to the work and gave me feedback which helped us with our projects.
One thing I disliked was how time-consuming some of the production and editing processes were, especially when working with equipment or software that I had never used before. There were definitely moments of frustration when things didn’t go as planned or technical issues popped up. For example, there was a storm and it slowed down our connection, so we had to submit our work a little late. However, these setbacks taught me the importance of getting things done long before they are due. That way if something does happen, the project will still be turned in on time.
What I Learned
Through these projects, I learned a lot about camera positioning, storytelling structure, editing techniques, and how to use technology to create immersive experiences. In the future, I want to continue learning about motion graphics and animation to enhance video content even more.
I also learned a lot from the project research we had to do before filming. Researching the best practices really helped me understand the different requirements and creative approaches for both 360 video and short-form content. For 360 video, I learned how important spatial awareness, camera placement, and viewer perspective are in creating an immersive experience. It was interesting to see how storytelling techniques had to adapt to take advantage of the full environment. Short-form videos required a completely different strategy. They had to be fast paced, have strong hooks, and concise messaging to capture attention quickly. Researching these formats helped me think about how to plan, shoot, and edit depending on the platform and audience. Overall, that research phase gave me a solid foundation before filming and made me feel more informed during the actual filming process.
What’s Next?
I see this class directly connecting to my future career in media management or content creation. Whether I’m working in film or social media, being able to tell visual stories and adapt to different formats will be essential. The confidence I’ve gained from this class has made me more excited about pursuing creative projects professionally.
Overall, I felt proud of the work I produced this semester. It was a mix of stress and growth. Each challenge helped me develop new skills and greater confidence in my abilities. I pushed myself outside of my comfort zone and walked away with a stronger portfolio!