To those who are considering registering for ds106:

This class is definitely worth taking, provided you have enough time to dedicate to it. The hands-on, intensive format will challenge and stretch those who put in enough to get something valuable back out. You can expect two primary benefits:

First, you will learn a variety of technical skills which are relevant to today’s internet-centric environment. These skills include understanding and managing a digital infrastructure (domain names, hosting, blog software, etc) and working with media such as digital imagery, sound, and video. The media skills are particularly interesting and challenging; you will learn a great deal about planning a narrative, sourcing material, and production.

Second, you have the opportunity to grow creatively. The demands of regularly exercising the creative process in a variety of unfamiliar mediums often results in the creation of works that not only you wouldn’t have done otherwise, but also are meaningful to you and others. A critical aspect of this is the open nature of the course, with students and random people from the internet able to view and comment on everyone’s work. Not only is the feedback often helpful, but it is encouraging as well. This is unlike other classes, where all of your work is sent into the void, never to be read or appreciated by anyone.

So yes, dear student, certainly do consider taking ds106. However, realize that it is very much a class where you only benefit by engaging and participating. But the rewards are well worth it.