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THRILLING TETRIS: PODCAST REFLECTION

Student Posts

In this podcast episode where I was the assistant producer, we focused on the game Tetris. In this episode, the producer, Rachel, and I divided the tasks in two ways. First off, we both played Tetris individually and compared our experiences to one another to get a glimpse of what we would talk about in our podcast discussion. Then we made a script that addressed the topics in our description of the podcast, and then split up the script evenly to discuss.

In this episode, we focused a lot on probing. We realized that there was a lot of people that were noting probing and how it was a useful technique in the game, so we analyzed the game to see if it related to out game as well. In fact, we noticed that Tetris was a game of probing all around and therefore we analyzed it. This was very effective for us because it not only enhanced and related strongly to the mentioning of probing the previous episodes, but it also strongly enhanced the purpose of the podcast as a whole. It allowed us to break down a simple game like Tetris into something that is perhaps overlooked while playing the game which is probing. In addition to making sure that we were enhancing and following the objective of the podcast as a whole, we also tried to discuss why the game is so addicting. I mean, Tetris revolves around placing a bunch of different pieces that have different shapes to match up and align before it gets to the top. Although it sounds so simple, its so addicting and intellectually complex. In fact, there is even worldwide competitions for the game. So, in this podcast we dove into how Tetris produced an addicting phase within the brain where it is intellectually stimulating. There wasn’t many challenges in reaching these outcomes and goals that we had for this podcast, but in the beginning it was a little challenging. It was a little difficult to think deeply about Tetris and how we can possibly analyze such a simple game, but after playing the game a few times and discussing the strategies, we were able to effectively think deeper about the game and the techniques required to be successful at it.

For this podcast episode, while there all of the learning outcomes for the course were touched on, there were two learning outcomes that were really utilized in this episode. One of the learning outcomes that was really touched upon was collaboration. This episode, there was a little road block because I caught coronavirus (unfortunately). However, I could not leave my peer (Producer Rachel) hanging so I had to tough it out. When I first got sick, Rachel produced most of the script. But then after rehearsing it, we realized that it was not enough time. So, I had to jump in and we collaborated on the topics and ideas we can add so that it can extend the time. Adding on to this, another learning outcome that was greatly touched upon during the creation of this podcast episode was writing as a process. Like previously mentioned, it was a bit of a struggle to write and discuss for Tetris. It was an easy game that we both had access to which made it ideal, but the simplicity and commonality of it made it hard to discuss. But like the title said… it’s a process. We had to play the game multiple times, edit and take out things that did not completely make sense, plan, plan some more, and make sure we relating to the description of the podcast. It did not come easy, but good writing that has substance did not come easy, and this podcast episode really taught me that and allowed me to endeavor into it. I can use these skills for future writing projects in several ways. One way is that I can not give up. We could have easily given up in the beginning when we thought that we were not going to be able to produce creative discussion around it, but we stuck out with it. And we were able to have pretty good outcomes of it. Another way is brainstorming. Usually, when I write I do not thoroughly plan things out and sometimes that can cause my writing to not be as sophisticated. However, Rachel started a planning document and it really helped us remain focused and narrowed down our writing, which was super beneficial and I feel like it will also help with the concision and depth in my future writing

Portal Podcast Reflection

Student Posts

This podcast marked a lot of firsts for me. It was the first podcast I’ve ever made. It was also the first time I’ve ever had to write a script for something. Initially, I wanted to have an unscripted conversation with Kathy about Portal, thinking it would give a nice casual tone to the podcast. Very quickly in to recording I realised it is VERY difficult to make intersting and concise points about a topic on the fly. I would have saved a couple of hours had I not been so stubborn in trying to record without a script. Eventually, Kathy and I started our second recording session, with a script, and it went much smoother.

My podcast was amongst the first wave of podcasts post COVID-19, which presented a few technical challenges. My first recording attempt was so long that Audacity required me to download a plugin to be able to handle it. My second recording was less annoying to deal with, but Audacity came up with another way to make things difficult. Anytime I tried to add background music, Audactiy would instantly crash. After some google searches, Youtube tutorials and forum browsing I was still unable to resolve the issue. I eventually reached out to David who very kindly editted the background music in for me using a different audio program.

My favourite podcasts feel natural and free flowing. I thought that the way to replicate this would be to have to have the loose topics of the podcast outlined but no script written. It turns out this just leads to a rambling mess. Having a script removes the pressure of coming up with thoughts on the go and gives you the ability to improvise and deviate slightly which is what gives the podcast a natural tone. I don’t know how well my script achieved this, there is certainly a lot of skill that goes in to writting for a podcast. My episode made me realise just how difficult scripting natural language is and gave me a huge appriciation for some of my favourite podcasts such as Freakonomics or even a comedy podcast like Athletico Mince.

A Nostalgic Podcast

Student Posts

I had the opportunity to produce a podcast about a game that mattered a lot to me while I was younger.

Fireboy and Watergirl: Nostalgia and Connection

I didn’t really know what game I wanted to do my podcast episode on at first. In order to create an intellectual podcast that I thought my professor and classmates would enjoy, I figured it would need to be about a game that has a clear deeper meaning. Then I remembered one game that nobody had mentioned, and I didn’t think anybody else would think of off the top of their head. I use to love playing the game Fireboy and Watergirl. This game doesn’t immediately strike one as “life-changing,” but I knew that one of the things I wanted to talk about in my episode coincided with one of the key learning outcomes from this course.

I’ve touched on this before, but if collaboration is a skill we are supposed to be honing in on as freshmen in college, our foundational skills from this concept must have come from somewhere. I think I learned a plethora of collaboration and communication skills while playing the game Fireboy and Watergirl growing up. As I was developing ideas for my podcast, I knew this was something I wanted to touch on. After discussing it with my professor and Assistant Producer, I decided I wanted to focus on other cognitive skills this game helped young children develop, gender roles in the game, and its intended audience and accessibility.

I carefully worked out a script that was even able to incorporate a bit of a personal story from George that I felt would help reach out to our audience. Unfortunately, we were not physically able to get together to record our episode because of the global pandemic. Since most of our peers settled on recording a zoom call, that is what we tried first. However, I was not happy with the quality of the audio at all partly due to the fact someone had spotty internet connection and words would get unknowingly gargled.

I then tried to download audacity only to find that it didn’t seem to be compatible with Catalina on the Mac OS. I was able to get the application, but the files wouldn’t import, so I needed to get creative. I have strong experience with iMovie and have even crafted projects that rely on heavily edited audio. I also knew that iMovie has an option to export only audio so even if I put in a video file, it wouldn’t matter for my final project. I rerecorded all of my parts with voice memos on my iPhone and loved the quality that came out from that. When George did the same, I was finally able to get the ball rolling on the podcast editing and adding in music was not a big issue at all.

The most important lesson I learned from creating a podcast involved improving my rhetorical composition. In writing a podcast, it should sound intellectual, engaging, and pleasing to listen to. I had to get creative and find dialogue that easily flowed together. This was by far one of my favorite projects in college.

Reflecting on Humans and Androids

Student Posts

As the Assistant Producer to Kathy’s podcast on the game Detroit Becomes Human, I had the opportunity to work on my first podcast ever. We began the process with pretty broad brainstorming. Our podcast was one of the first to be produced, so we had the responsibility in setting the tone for all the future podcasts in Ready, Set, Game. Our jumping off point started with creating a shared GoogleDoc about our main focus points: moral decisions in playing an android, analyzing the flow chart mechanism, raising societal issues of minorities, and increased use of technology.

From there we created a loose script and decided we wanted the tone for our podcast to be casual, conversational, and futuristic. Since a lot of the game is based on a futuristic world where half of the population is made up of androids, we wanted the music to suit the technological emphasis it pushes.

The actual recording of the podcast did not go according to plan at all. We rented the “one-button recording studio,” and we spent about an hour trying to figure out how to record anything. Even if we were able to record something, there seemed to be no way of getting it off of the flash drive. Eventually, everything froze and both George and I both made the trek to fourth floor to find a new way to record our podcast. Kathy worked hard on the editing, and I am happy with the way it turned out.

Working on a podcast with my classmates emphasized one of the first learning outcomes that drew my eye: collaboration. I had never really talked to Kathy before, but our first meeting discussing the subject of our podcast allowed us to get to know each other a little better. Not only did we make a lot of progress, but we learned more about each other and our creative processes. If I was trying to record my podcast alone in that room, I would’ve lost all motivation and had a really difficult time problem solving. Because I had both George and Kathy, we worked together to find a solution. This collaboration with my classmates early on helped set the stage for a fun, exciting, and allowed me to more fully embrace future projects.

Reflecting on Humans and Androids

Student Posts

As the Assistant Producer to Kathy’s podcast on the game Detroit Becomes Human, I had the opportunity to work on my first podcast ever. We began the process with pretty broad brainstorming. Our podcast was one of the first to be produced, so we had the responsibility in setting the tone for all the future podcasts in Ready, Set, Game. Our jumping off point started with creating a shared GoogleDoc about our main focus points: moral decisions in playing an android, analyzing the flow chart mechanism, raising societal issues of minorities, and increased use of technology.

From there we created a loose script and decided we wanted the tone for our podcast to be casual, conversational, and futuristic. Since a lot of the game is based on a futuristic world where half of the population is made up of androids, we wanted the music to suit the technological emphasis it pushes.

The actual recording of the podcast did not go according to plan at all. We rented the “one-button recording studio,” and we spent about an hour trying to figure out how to record anything. Even if we were able to record something, there seemed to be no way of getting it off of the flash drive. Eventually, everything froze and both George and I both made the trek to fourth floor to find a new way to record our podcast. Kathy worked hard on the editing, and I am happy with the way it turned out.

Working on a podcast with my classmates emphasized one of the first learning outcomes that drew my eye: collaboration. I had never really talked to Kathy before, but our first meeting discussing the subject of our podcast allowed us to get to know each other a little better. Not only did we make a lot of progress, but we learned more about each other and our creative processes. If I was trying to record my podcast alone in that room, I would’ve lost all motivation and had a really difficult time problem solving. Because I had both George and Kathy, we worked together to find a solution. This collaboration with my classmates early on helped set the stage for a fun, exciting, and allowed me to more fully embrace future projects.

Side Quest #14: “Tree of English 101.07”

Student Posts

To represent my experience in English 101 this year, I used a tree to break down the different influential parts. The trunk represents the foundation of this class: Play, Make, Write, Think. The branches represent the various learning outcomes: creating a digital identity, analyzing rhetorical situations, practicing critical thinking and problem-solving, making writing a reflective process, and finally, thinking creatively. The smaller twigs branching off each individual learning outcome represents how we practiced said learning outcomes and new skills — such as through games, podcasts, readings, sidequests, collaborative discussions, and our websites. I chose to use a tree, as it symbolises the interconnectedness of all these skills and experiences, meaningful growth and development, and individuality.

Rocketing to the Sky

Student Posts

The design of my assembly is a rocket flying high to the sky. I include the contents that we have learned in this class in the rocket trail, symboling the accumulative skills and experience that are pushing us forward. On the fundamental layer, there is the materials of ENG 101 class: the book SuperBetter we read, the games like Fiasco we played and discussed, the three podcasts we produced in a group, and the website we designed to post our thoughts. In the upper layer, there is the skills we practiced: analyzing rhetorical situations, working in a group, creating interesting posts, and embracing technology as a new media to write. At the top of the trail is the ability we possess after finishing this class: critical thinking, problem-solving, and digital-identity exploring.  

The Last of Us

Ready, Set, Game

This episode was constructed to analyze the game The Last of Us. It began with an examination of our main characters; Joel and Ellie. We look at the psychopathic behaviors from Joel and admiringly mature behavior from Ellie. We used these aspects of the game to illuminate what the game engineers were trying to do for the players’ experience. We also speak on the current topic of the COVID-19 virus and how the nightmare-like situations of the game relate to our quarantine.

Sources

Tetris

Ready, Set, Game

In this episode of “Ready, Set, Game”, Zamirah and Rachel will be analyzing the widely-popular game, Tetris. What makes this simple game so addictive to a countless number of players around the world? How can we apply the strategies of this game to our lives? How can this game influence real-world thoughts and perspectives? Tune in to hear our thoughts!

  • Producer: Rachel Vellanikaran
  • Assistant Producer: Zamirah Martin
  • Line Producer: Austin Carter

Sources:

Music:

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