One of the coolest parts of doing this internship was seeing how the MOOC has progressed. When I started in July, the MOOC consisted of a just few pieces of paper that had the assignments on it. Now, it has a sophisticated website, forums, videos, beta-testers and potential future participants. It is incredible to see what hard work and perseverance can accomplish.
Whenever someone asks where I see myself in five years, I tell them that I hope to be a part of a project that embraces technology and creativity. This project is exactly that; it uses the internet as a resource to help participants become more comfortable with art and museums. Participants can learn a new perspective on of art and open up to new activities.
I never hold back my enthusiasm when I talk about this project because it was incredible to be a part of it. One great opportunity to do this was a poster session event at my school, Alverno College. I did my MOOC internship as part of a class at school; at the end, it requires all interns to make a poster of what they have done at their internship. During the poster session event, each student gets a booth with their poster and any other aids to help show what they have done. Teachers, mentors, parents and others come to hear the students talk about their internships. I was so proud to tell everyone about my time at the Museum and what I accomplished. I talked about how I aided in the making of the MOOC videos, researched marketing methods, beta-tested assignments, and helped with administration. Everyone showed enthusiasm for my work and could tell that this was no ordinary internship.
Working on the MOOC has also given me a new understanding of art. Before I started working here, I would just look at an artwork, decide if I like it or not (I used to only like the ones that involved fairytales or mythology), and then move on. After participating in the MOOC, I ask myself different questions about each painting. How long would this take to make? Would I want this in my house? Can I relate this to any parts of my own life? Would my grandma want this in her living room? If I don’t like it, what it is about the piece that displeases me?
Listening to others talk about art has influenced me as well. While helping with and viewing the assignment videos, I was able to hear others talk about what they saw in each work of art. Hearing them speak opened my eyes to new perspectives that I wouldn’t have seen otherwise.
Thank you to the Milwaukee Art Museum, Chelsea Kelly, and Janet Gourley for opening so many doors to me. This internship was crucial to my future. I do not know how I will ever repay them for all that they gave me.
—Melissa Marchese, Digital Learning Intern