Demonstration of Learning (DoL): Explain how digital media has transformed the communication of ideas, information, and arguments in society locally and globally

Demonstration of Learning (DoL)

The goal of the DoL is to demonstrate to faculty experts what you have learned, how you have learned and applied it.
A written statement should be prepared for all courses that fall within each academic area in which you are seeking credit. Each DoL should be sufficiently detailed to stand alone as a statement of your college-level learning and should be organized in terms of knowledge and skills rather than experience. You will identify documentation that most effectively supports your DoL.Please note, DoLs should be a minimum of two pages per learning outcome.
DoL Format:
double-spaced
12-point font, text type
page header with name and numbers
one-inch margins on each side
headings and subheadings
DoL Components:
title page
targeted courses with descriptions and outcomes
list of competencies
proof of competencies
conclusion
Example: Demonstration of Learning in Targeted Courses

CMST 301: Digital Media and Society

Course Description

A survey of the impact of technological advancements in the field of digital media. The objective is to explain how digital media has transformed the communication of ideas in society and make responsible choices in the creation and consumption of digital media based on awareness of global, social, ethical, and legal contexts. Topics include social media, the visual display of information, ethics and privacy, participatory media, and the impact of digital media on culture.

Course Outcomes

After completing this course, you should be able to

explain how digital media has transformed the communication of ideas, information, and arguments in society locally and globally
effectively communicate ideas, information, arguments, and messages through digital media to achieve a specific goal
access, analyze, interpret, and evaluate digital media to foster learning and to guide decision-making
make responsible choices in the creation and consumption of digital media based on awareness of global, social, ethical, and legal contexts
Outcome 1: Explain how digital media has transformed the communication of ideas, information, and arguments in society locally and globally.

In my professional career spanning thirty years, it has been necessary that I communicate detailed information with various individuals on a professional and personal level. Through the years, my target audience has included external clients such as shareholders, vendors, customers, and potential job applicants. Most frequently, I have addressed internal clients including subordinates, peers, supervisors, and management via email. It has become the most effective way to send a message without inconveniencing myself or interrupting the receiver. Additionally, I can attach documents directly from my computer or links to websites for maximum time efficiency. The mode of professional communication has migrated from typewritten letters written on letterhead paper to emails containing an embedded business card. With each technological advance, digital media has changed the way society lives, learns and plays. This essay provides insight into the field of digital media and how it has transformed the communication of ideas, information, and arguments in society locally and globally.

In my formative years in primary school, I was exposed to multi-national cultures and languages. I lived two years in XX while attending elementary school and two years in XX while attending high school (See WRTG 01- Passport Stamps). While residing in these countries, I was submerged in the culture and required to study the foreign language in class each day. From this experience, I learned that people of different geographic regions have very different cultures, interests and lifestyles. What may be an acceptable approach to address an audience in one culture may not be acceptable in another. For instance, at the time I lived in XX the internet was not invented yet and in some countries today internet is banned. Today in developing nations, print media or mass media such as radio or television are the only form of media available to the masses while digital media is enjoyed only by the wealthy. Due to the ability to interact with digital media, the amount of information obtained and stored faster, of greater content and more specific to a person’s level of interest.

Likewise, as a professional in the banking and finance industry for the past thirty years, it is necessary that I connect with any audience. Depending on the type of idea, information, or argument, each communication requires a different approach and level of detail to meet individual expectations. For one reason, an external client does not have the same perspective or level of interest as an internal client. For instance, an external client will not be interested in the daily operational procedures of the business. Rather, an external client will only be interested in the impact the subject matter of the document will have on him. Additionally, it is not appropriate to provide external clients with the same level of detailed proprietary information that is sometimes necessary for an internal client. Furthermore, it is important to distinguish the purpose of the information to be communicated to determine the appropriate form of communication. The audience dynamics will dictate the consideration of the communication and appropriate level of content. From this experience, I learned it is important to recognize each group has a unique need, level of focus and personality.

As a young adult in the 1980s, my training on digital media consisted of a facsimile machine to send images of documents through the telephone line at Murray-Carver rather than waste time sending export bill of laden documents through the mail. Also, I used a Burroughs machine to scan images of checks and deposit slips to the Federal Reserve Bank for clearing at Fulshear State Bank. From 11×17 ledger books to micro-fiche machines, the decommissioning of the internet allowed businesses to connect worldwide and increase efficiency. This was quickly followed by electronic mail, instant messaging and cell phones. With time, technology improved the computing power and storage capacity of computers and cell phones. By the mid-1990s the world-wide-web was a wealth of information, albeit still a little disorganized.

Additional changes brought about from social media in the work place include cost reduction, improving employee productivity, and enhanced employee morale because the employee can use their own mobile device. Likewise, walk-in traffic for branch banking has decreased due. Clients can shop on the internet for products and services. Furthermore, new account information is no longer printed in binders. Rather, it is digital and can be presented on a mobile device from anywhere. The next phase of regulatory activity is likely to be in mobile banking as two-factor authentication has fast become the norm with user names password With the added improvement in multifactor authentication to confirm consumer identities online by asking to identify something they have, something they are, and something they know, consumers are gaining greater acceptance of online transactions. For this reason community banks are incorporating social media into the banking profile. Also, the business environment has become more cost effective and employee friendly for mobility and availability to clients.

I have been involved with marketing materials for many years in banking. For this reason, I served on the committee to create a Bank website in 2011. Careful thought was put into what information needed to be included at the time. Due to strict regulatory guidelines on banks, I chose to limit the information communicated to who, what, where, and when. It was important that I encourage an internet presence for current and prospective clients to identify the bank management, learn about the type of business conducted, where the bank is located, and when it is open. This quickly followed by the creation of a Facebook page in 2012 to market the bank. In this way, XX Bank connects socially by promoting its philanthropic activities, employee culture and hiring, as well as business awards (See CMST 01-Facebook Page).

While society today shares ideas, information, and pictures instantaneously via personal computers and smart phones, its need to be physically present or have hand-writing skills has diminished. Many argue that social media has caused a marked decline in society’s ability to communicate verbally with one another. However the opportunity to obtain an education on-line, travel to foreign countries, and communicate with relatives in other states from the comfort of the living room has in fact created a borderless society.

Outcome 2: Effectively communicate ideas, information, arguments, and messages through digital media to achieve a specific goal.

As a business professional for more than thirty years, I have the aptitude and knowledge base to identify the audience demographics based on my life experiences and exposure to various levels of management and responsibilities in business through the years. Additionally, I communicate my competence and efficiently prepare documentation with a precise, comprehensive, clear, and concise purpose. As Vice President and Controller for Bank, I communicate ideas, information, arguments, and messages through digital media to achieve a specific goal on a daily basis.

To begin with, it is important that I identify the appetite and sophistication of my audience to determine interest level, level of detail presented, and mode of communication. By analyzing my target audience, the urgency, and purpose of my communication, I can determine whether to communicate in a formal or informal fashion. This will lead me to choosing to make a phone call, text, email, and/or use social to broadcast my message. In so doing, I successfully organize information, address the audience, and reach a positive outcome.

In most cases, my target audience may be internal and require little more than a text message or email using my smartphone. However, to communicate a professional idea or information it may be necessary that I include research such as a spreadsheets, power-point presentation or website link. I have created many official documents ranging from marketing materials to financial board packages including these items. Each document has addressed a specific audience and included information appropriate and sensitive to the needs of that audience.

Furthermore, I report monthly financial information to the board of the directors on the financial state of the bank (See CMST 002-August 20, 2008 Communicator Memo). To accomplish this, it is necessary that I create a power-point presentation and upload it in password website portal (See CMST 03-Board Package). I use this mode to communicate securely over the internet, creating a stored historical record that is organized in folders. This allows me to upload different formats of information at one time providing efficiency and ease in access for my intended audience on a recurring basis. During the yearly audit for Congressional Bank, I am the lead coordinator of all financial documentation that is provided to the auditors. In order to provide a record of documentation as well as ease in repeated retrieval, I use password website portal (See CMST 04-Audit Portal). Due the privacy nature of the documentation being shared, it is important that I ensure that client information is not mishandled and that the auditing firm has signed a disclosure to maintain the security of the information being shared.

Additionally, I use internet media as a way to advertise interest rate certificate of deposit product offerings externally and manage the issuer/depositor portfolio (See CMST 05-QwickRate Offerings and CMST 06-NCRL Deposits). And finally, I use the internet to monitor the cash management and liquidity needs of the bank (See CMST 07-BB&T Cash Management) to check balances and wire funds electronically. In all cases, web portals password to ensure security and privacy.

Likewise, I communicate messages through social media to market the culture of the bank. One way this is accomplished is via the bank’s Facebook page. Here, I upload pictures of philanthropic ventures, bank awards, and staff changes. Additionally, I enable bank clients to interact socially with the bank and learn of social events the bank engages in. I use Facebook to update clients on branch closings such as storms and power outages to reach our clients.

In each of the above situations, I have analyzed the need for communication and determined the most appropriate mode to achieve my desired outcome. When I wish to provide detailed confidential information, I will choose to use a secure portal. When my message is much less sensitive and intended as an informal notification, I will use the bank’s Facebook page to post non-sensitive information that can be viewed by anyone. Finally, when my communication can be either in the form of email, text, or a phone, I will opt for my smartphone as an efficient use of my time.

Outcome 3: Access, analyze, interpret, and evaluate digital media to foster learning and to guide decision-making.

In 2001, as Controller , I challenged the District’s assessment of Personal Property Tax on the Southwest Agency. In order to demonstrate my protest, it was necessary I submit a written argument along with supporting documentation to argue my case by accessing digital media on the county’s website to analyze and interpret business property values. As support of my argument, I provided the bank’s personal property status, researched market comparable, and economic conditions. I supported the appraisal values of previous years and presented concrete evidence why the high variance in current value was inappropriate compared to market conditions again using facts obtained from the internet. The opportunity to research on-line saved many hours by eliminating the need for me to travel to the courthouse and present my case. My efforts resulted in a win for the bank amounting to a $35,000 reduction in taxes that year (See XX Performance Review).

Through the years, I implemented new policies and procedures as well as upgraded to technology needed to facilitate the accommodation and gathering of regulatory requirements and foster learning. These policies established use and controls of social media, risk management process for selecting and managing third-party relationships, and employee training program, and effective and appropriate reporting for audit, compliance, and board of directors. As a banker for 30 years, I complete various certifications on a yearly basis educating me on changes in laws and regulations pertaining to the financial industry. One way I accomplish this is by using the on-line training portal BVS Performance Systems (See XXX Training). This method of training in interactive with multiple forms of media including mini-videos, power-point presentations, pop-up question screens, and graded testing at the end. I find this type of learning to be very helpful. It provides a point of visual reference that I review multiple times. Additionally, I have the opportunity to answer the key questions I will be tested on prior to taking the final test. Most importantly, it provides a record of the training that I have completed for regulatory purposes as well as managements need to ensure the bank is in compliance with all training requirements.

Moreover, I use the internet as an inexpensive media for the sales and marketing of my in-home business. I have always been a self-starter which has led me to being of entrepreneurial mindset. As a result, I created my own Mary Kay cosmetic business in 1994. This includes a personal website with a direct link to XXDX firm (See CMST 11- Business Tools). Within this website, I can place orders for products, send out marketing materials to my clients, take video classes on sales techniques, and find consultant forms to manage my business. This allows me to learn and practice good business decisions.

Later in 2003, I became an associate with XXX(See CMST . Here, I began moon-lighting as an associate providing financial planning and loan opportunities to clients. As such, I created many personal financial profiles using a web-based portal to upload personal financial portfolios and analyze the data using financial calculators. I found this to be very convenient as I traveled from household to household. Besides, I used my laptop at client homes to demonstrate the results of their portfolio analysis.

Finally, I use regulatory and financial websites to guide decisions I make as the Controller for the bank. There are a number of websites available to research bank rates and industry specific product offerings. In this manner, I compare the competition offerings to determine if my bank’s rates are in line with the market. I have a frequent need to obtain financial forms from regulatory agencies such as the Federal Reserve Bank in order to review instructions on upcoming filings and learn of changes in laws and regulations. One such critical report I submit each quarter on behalf of the bank is the Call Report. Through a direct secured link, I upload the bank’s Call Report to the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council for processing in a timely manner. The FFIEC and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) publish the filings of every Call and Thrift Financial Report for public review. This practice offers good faith and transparency to consumers on the state of a financial institution.

Outcome 4: Make responsible choices in the creation and consumption of digital media based on awareness of global, social, ethical, and legal contexts.

As Vice President and Controller for XX, I provide valuable and meaningful input on the management and financial state of the bank (See CMST 13-2008 Performance Review). Additionally, I have taken many classes and seminars educating me on regulations and specific legal reporting requirements as directed by Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX), Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) (See CMST 14-Security & Compliance Certificates). Specific to the social context, I have taken classes and seminars that educate me on the impact media has on the global, social, ethical, and legal contexts (See CMST 15-Social Engineering Certificate and CMST 16-Social Media Certification). This experience has aided me in making responsible choices based on awareness of global, social, ethical, and legal contexts of digital media in my daily responsibilities as a financial professional and entrepreneur.

For instance, I add value to the banks creation and consumption of digital media as a member of the IT Steering Committee (See CMST Steering Committee). The purpose of this committee is to make responsible decisions for the purchase of IT equipment, software and use of websites. I use the FFIEC to define guidance on social media and direct the policies and procedures that I enforce. As a result of the FFIEC and its Social Media Consumer Compliance Risk Management Guidance, all examiners now ask pointed questions relating to policies and procedures in place governing risk management of third-party relationships, employee training programs, effective audit and compliance oversight, and appropriate reporting to the board of directors. Social media such as Facebook, Twitter and Linked-In, are all considered interactive online communication in which bank employees are accountable for their sharing of text, images, audio and/or video. As a result, the bank has had to include guidance on this in its human resources manual. Most recently, the decision was made to move to a cloud based environment for business continuity purposes and offer E-Sign, an electronic signature option for clients to use to sign signature cards and withdrawal requests. This has required a new E-Sign policy be written that is governed by the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA) and Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (ESIGN).

In 2012, in an effort to employ new strategies to bring in a younger clientele, Congressional Bank began to use smart tablets in the branches to exemplify our innovative environment. Sales team members welcomed the idea to have a portable device to move about the branch easily with to introduce products and services to clients. As a member of the IT Steering Committee (committee), I understand the need to take small steps toward media solutions. There are critical security issues that pertain to the financial industry and the protection of client information. The creation of online banking has fueled the demand by consumers for further developments in products such as bill-pay and mobile-banking. These products provide efficiency in paying bills and making deposits. However, they come with risks if the security of the network is accessed unlawfully by thieves.

As a small community bank, a web-based or cloud based delivery is the option to provide technology without the burden of managing software and ongoing maintenance. As Controller, I am responsible for the vendor management of accounts payable. As Regulated by SOX legislation, it is my responsibility to review SSAE 16 and SOC2 (formerly known as SAS 70) audits of vendors the bank contracts with to provide client services to the bank. These reports provide validation that an independent CPA firm has conducted a test verifying the Information Systems and other controls have been independently tested and verified using the required standards in compliance with SOX. My purpose is to verify that client sensitive information shared with these database providers is protected by their networks from hackers and other casualties. The core processing system that maintains all bank client records is of main concern. My findings are diligently reported to the committee on an annual basis. The goal is to ensure that little or no risk exists to sensitive information such as client names, account numbers, and social security numbers when enlisting the services outside vendors to analyze and manipulate client information in any way.

Finally, I enrich my knowledge of further advancements in technology and regulatory changes by reading industry specific publications such as the American Banker Magazine and the CFO Magazine. I regularly attend various off-site conferences (See CMST 20-BankNext Conference and CMST 21-Council of Professional Women in Banking and Finance) to stay abreast of developing innovations and current issues.

CMST Conclusion

Throughout this DOL, I have illustrated the depth and breadth of my knowledge and skills relative to the CMST course I have targeted for review. I am grateful for this knowledge because it has allowed me the opportunity to expand my financial and investment and security skills. Since 1982, I have been employed in the banking and finance industry. I have been employed by four banks, started my own business and became a sales representative for Primerica Insurance. In all of these capacities, I have adapted to meet the changes of each new position by bringing my knowledge the applications I described in the DOL. I have provided evidence of my ability to explain how digital media has transformed the communication of ideas in society and make responsible choices in the creation and consumption of digital media based on awareness of global, social, ethical, and legal contexts. Additionally, I can access, analyze, interpret, and evaluate digital media to effectively communicate ideas, information, arguments, and messages through it to achieve learning or decision-making. Throughout my thirty-year experience in banking and as a financial service representative with Primerica Financial Services, I have strengthened my ability to communicate intelligently with financial professionals in both written and verbal form to provide clear guidance for financial direction. My belief in continuing education has led me to the world of finance and entrepreneurship. It is my goal to further my life-long learning by becoming an expert in other areas of the financial industry. It is because of my professional education, practiced skills, and the knowledge I have attained through the years that I am seeking credit for the CMST 301: Digital Media and Society.

My Targeted Courses:
Course Outcomes Related Life Experiences Personal Competencies Documentation
FINC 331 (Finance)
Outcome 1:
Demonstrate an understanding of the basic business organizations and financial institutions, their functions within the economy, and the terminology associated with them:
Analyzed the company’s budget to ensure company profit margins are exceeded. Knowledge of sufficiency of documentation submitted or required to complete financial transactions, business budget management, and Interpret finance, accounting and payroll documents. Entry in QuickBooks, Copy of fiscal year leave reports
FINC 331
Outcome 2:
Apply the basic institutional and functional knowledge acquired to making business decisions by using financial concepts:
Reviewed personnel evaluations and self-appraisals to determine if merit increases were warranted according to the pool of money. Knowledge of sufficiency of documentation submitted or required to complete financial transactions, business budget management, and Interpret finance, accounting and payroll documents. Entry in QuickBooks, Copy of fiscal year leave reports
FINC 331
Outcome 3:
Interpret finance and accounting documents, be able to ask intelligent questions regarding them, and comprehend the responses offered by professionals to those questions:
Determined if expenses were titled correctly. Reviewed procurement items for office weekly to determine if the office had enough supplies to operate accordingly. Coordinated information about employee status and leave, and provided wage verification for employees. Knowledge of sufficiency of documentation submitted or required to complete financial transactions, business budget management, and Interpret finance, accounting and payroll documents. Entry in QuickBooks, Copy of fiscal year leave reports

ACCT 301 (Accounting)
Outcome 1:
Prepare and analyze financial statements, and communicate relevant information, in order to participate in business decision making:
Monitored accounts to ensure additional payments could be made to business loans. By making additional principle payments it helped reduce the amount of interest paid. Knowledge of smart decision making and reducing the interest paid to the accounts. Copy of a calculated time sheet, Copy of recorded over time in comp book, Employee leave balance
ACCT 301
Outcome 2:
Evaluate ethical issues and integrate them into financial and managerial decision making:
Monitored and calculated time cards to ensure associates are entering actual time worked. Calculated hours worked and monitored over times in comp book. Monitored employees’ leave balances. Knowledge of calculation of employees’ hours worked, over times and running leave balances. Copy of a calculated time sheet, Copy of recorded over time in comp book, Employee leave balance
ACCT 301
Outcome 3:
Apply critical thinking and communicate analytical business and accounting decision information to management:
Calculated the correct annual salary offered to new hires based on the State or County pay grade. Ability to use accounting and calculation of salaries based on State and County pay guidelines. Copy of a calculated time sheet, Copy of recorded over time in comp book, Employee leave balance

Important: Please make sure to write two pages for each listed outcome for each listed class. Targeted classes are : Finance and Accounting.