Within this project we are easing the transition for incoming students and helping them navigate the challenges and opportunities of their new academic life. The point of this project is to utilize the framework of The Hero’s Journey within a virtual world in Second life. We are using engagement objects that can resonate with the hero and create an interactive storytelling environment. The objects I have chosen is a “connection” board and a resource library.
I hope to use these objects to portray the social and relational area of focus, really focusing on our connections with others and the sense of belonging. The hero can navigate through our virtual world, face challenges and seek transformation. All while building supportive relationships and experience a sense of acceptance.
Step 1: The Ordinary World
Even though I have worked within The Hero’s Journey and guided pathways before I have found that each experience is different. Within storytelling we are to create two objects for people to interact and engage with. This step often has me coming to a full stop and restart of my mindset to get into the task at hand.
Step 2: Call to Adventure
The best part of these assignments is the brainstorming process. We chose a Step and an area of focus to help create the best experience for the hero as a class. This opportunity to inspire and learn was the start of my journey
My specific area of focus is Step 7. This stage represents the hero’s shift in perspective and strategy. Setbacks are inevitable; a student might struggle, face unexpected hurdles, or grapple with personal challenges. This stage compels the student to adapt. This is where true resilience and resourcefulness are forged.
Step 3: Refusal of the Call
Due to time constraints and life, I find it hard to commit to a full Second Life experience. This often leads to discomfort and fear of failure. I don’t let it stop me from contributing though. I love to create and I really like the aspect of digital storytelling, so I do just that. I have continued to create my objects and portray the ideas of them with my are of focus, with the hope that it will get to the hero with the help of my classmates and my professor.
Step 4: Meeting with the Mentor
Living in the digital age has given me access to so many resources filled with wisdom and advice. My classmates have really good ideas and they inspire me to do the same.
Step 5: Crossing the First Threshold into the extraordinary World
I was finally able to narrow down my two objects and I feel like I got a grasp of what they are meant to do. The challenge I came across for these objects were functionality and the their purpose within the story.
In the end I still haven’t narrowed it down to just one function or one purpose but I think thats the journey of it.
Step 6: Discovery of Superpowers and Challenges including tests, allies, and enemies:
I found that this quarter is especially difficult, time management wise, to make sure I get everything done correctly and efficiently. This hasn’t limited my creative mindset, it’s just the “when” I’m able to push the concept out. Eventually, I was able to create these prototypes of my objects on a 3D iPad program called Nomad.
Step 7: Adaptation of Perspective and Approach
I have yet to go over lecture recordings to hear feedback on my prototypes but I’m sure I’ll be able to get constructive criticism. These are just drafts to the final project and my contribution to the same project. As a team, I feel like my objects need to fit our story and I am willing to make that happen.
Accelerate
Step 8: The Ordeal Reveals Resources and Inner Strength
I am on my way to creating a full production of my objects and the relations to my guided pathway
Step 9: The Unforeseen Reward
Though I haven’t created the final product or came to a conclusion on one, I have already learned so much. This project has already added more experience to my growing creative needs. I find that I understand digital storytelling concepts a whole lot better and the importance of it for future projects.
Step 10: The Road Back and Metamorphosis
This project has already transformed my way of thinking and understanding of the digital career. Im excited to learn more through out the quarter and grow my mindset even more.
Step 11: The Resurrection Hero Evaluation and Reflection
I hope to continue on strong with my projects and my are of focus. Creating and inspiring is what I like to of and these projects often hit those needs. This class will help me get to a conclusive final product where I can portray my ideas and solutions to our audience.
Step 12: Return with Education Elixir and Becoming the Mentor
I have other classmates that have contributed to this project already and hearing about their experiences, techniques, and challenges has been an inspiration for me. It has been a sort of guide thus far into the quarter. Hopefully, I can also be that mentor with knowledge that they were for me.