Blog Post 2- November 3, 2025
The past few classes in which we've been experimenting with Google Sheets have been very insightful and have taught me a lot of new skills. Prior to this, I was only familiar with the basic tools of spreadsheets, and barely knew anything about formulas. After learning and practicing the different formulas, such as rate, percentage, and how to turn data into charts, I feel a lot more comfortable with using Google Sheets than when I started. I will be utilizing the tools we used in class to sort and organize my data that I gather for my infographic. I believe this will be very beneficial in my infographic-making process and will even benefit me in future endeavors.
My story has been going smoothly for the most part, except that I have been having some difficulty contacting expert sources. I was able to get in contact with the Office of Housing Administration, to which I was referred to the marketing team, and scheduled for an interview. Unfortunately, my interview, which was supposed to take place last Thursday, October 30th, was postponed without a new date set. I will have to reach out once more to reschedule. Additionally, after multiple attempts, I was unable to get a hold of the Avalon Bay company, which is working closely with SDSU to build new off-campus housing. While it is not super important to the story, I would have liked to add their perspective to my story. Besides these small obstacles, my story has been moving along well.
Sample Chart- October 29, 2025
Blog Post 1- October 6, 2025
So far in class, I have learned many helpful tools that will help me in the digital landscape. During the first week of classes, we discussed technology terms that I was unfamiliar with, and I now have a better understanding of them. For example, terms like CMS (content management system), FTP (file transfer protocol), and JavaScript (how elements on a page can function) were all terms I had never heard of before, and now feel more comfortable with in terms of technology. I am very glad we learned these basic technology terms, because although we don't necessarily say them out loud every day, we are consistently using them when utilizing technology, and it's important to have an understanding of the tools we are using.
Something else that I found very beneficial was the lesson on video/cinematography. As someone interested in the broadcast aspect of journalism, learning various video tips is crucial for me. Knowing different ground rules, such as the rule of thirds, headspace, and the distinction between a close-up and an establishing shot, is crucial and can make a vast difference in my videography. I also appreciated the tips given when planning a live stream. As the Multimedia Editor for The Daily Aztec, one of my roles is to produce a monthly broadcast. Building anticipation was one of the main tips I took away and utilized for the September broadcast, which I definitely believe helped and earned us a lot of traction.