Digital Media and Learning/Microsoft Summer Institute: What I learned

I spent the last week at the DML/Microsoft Summer Institute. Twelve of us showed up a week ago, not knowing each other, and over the course of a intensely packed week, we got to know each other and our mentors, presented, interviewed, discussed and mostly, dove deep. =) The more I think about it, the more I am seriously impressed and awe-inspired to have been able to be a part of the gathering of truly incredible people.

So, what did I learn… so much. From the other Associates, from the twelve mentors, from danah and Mimi and Claudia, I learned bucketloads of stuff. I learned stuff about theory, projects, ethnography, publishing, collaborating, IRB, getting a job, navigating the job, personal stories…. WOW.

What follows below are a collection of memories and insights that stuck with me from the week.

• There are some very amazing grad students doing very awesome work that very much overlaps with mine. Very inspiring. We can be a cohort. I have a cohort.
• We’re writers. Follow a story arc. Learn the craft. Write beautifully and vibrantly.
• When you look at someone’s CV, you only see the things they got, not the things they didn’t get. Those things they didn’t get are underneath.
• If you’re going to do academia, get a hobby. Go swimming… play with other peoples’ dogs.
• acknowledge the work of those who came before.
• You continue to make mistakes, you continue to not get things. But you also continue to get things.
• Write everyday.
• Follow your passions, that’s where your best work is.
• Publishing alone is ok, good, productive. No need to publish with a big name to be overshadowed.
• Helvetica is good on powerpoints.
• Follow your interests, go to conferences, find your peeps. They exist.
• Academic work matters, build networks and communities, make the most out of what’s in front of you, don’t over-plan.

Thanks to all who made it brilliant. It really was brilliant.