Sunday, September 26, 2010

Popejoy_Mark_FinalVideo

I had problems uploading to Viddler as mentioned in my email, so I uploaded it here.

BP_12PracticalExperience

I decided to look into iMovie a little bit more than just the basic information. I know a little bit about it, but not nearly enough to really comprehend the significance the program has available. I have used it to create come recordings but it really has quite a bit of options and tools that are handy. Upon doing some research it has text, special effects and fade ins and outs, among tons of other tools. What I find most useful is that it has the captions/text that you can add in any number of different ways and formats. You can locate it at the bottom left, center, right, top area, as well as some nice little graphics to put the text on. On top of that, you can add fade ins and outs with multiple video clips. For example, if you wanted to import 4 smaller videos for your larger video, you can add fade ins and outs between them. iMovie also has templates you can use that your video can play on, that will have a graphic background so it doesn't play as just a regular video. In fact, you can use multiple templates within the same video. You can also add music, and adjust the volume of the video or the music you added. All in all, this little program can really make a difference in how we create videos for educational or personal use.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

BP11_Web2.0Twitter

Please click below, I have been having a real problem uploading the video through here.

Video

BP10_FollowThisLink

Follow this link to my comments on Sherry's blog.

BP9_FollowThisLink

Follow this link to my comments on Jason's blog.

BP8_Web2.0Tools


I did some research on Facebook for my next Web 2.0 tool. I know, I am probably behind the curve on this one. My wife is a big Facebook user, I just haven’t had the time or desire to use it. For my AR Project though, I will likely need to make sure I cover this base in my information. Including Facebook in my work with Gestalt Principles I can get a social friend network, exchange information and images, and keep all of my “friends” working towards understanding and identifying the Gestalt Principles. The more people aware of this project of mine, the better, in my opinion. We are expected to be informed by all the different social network media, and this looks like it will be my turn to learn the ins and outs of Facebook. I will depend on my wife for some of the information, however, I am very familiar with tools such as this so I don’t believe I will be challenged in doing so.  Building my base of friends and getting the network out there, will be key in sharing the information. We will be able to post comments on images, share places we have seen things, and also use the “like” button to help spread the word of good examples of design principles. I also believe this will get more people interested in the design field, simply by the members friends seeing their posts and the exchange of information and images. Using Facebook in conjunction with other web 2.0 tools like Twitter and Wordpress will keep all of the items user generated and up to date.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

BP7_WebToolsCommercial

BP6_FollowThisLink

Follow this link to see my comments on Dena's blog.

BP5_FollowThisLink

Follow this link to my comments on Meg's blog.

BP4_Flickr

I decided to research Flickr for the Research Web 2.0 for my AR Project. My AR project is trying to teach designers to be and those interested in design, the Gestalt principles. Because I feel it is much easier to show the students what the principles look like instead of explaining what they mean. For the most part, the images I can display for Gestalt will go father than possible with simply content and context.

Flickr will allow me to upload visual examples of all the Gestalt principles and there will always be conversation and communication within the students so they can discuss what makes them the principle they are. For example, I can upload 5 images, and ask the students to post what principle each image represents. Allowing the RSS feed will keep everyone updated as well for new images comments and other information. Visually, I don't think there is a better way to display the principles for my students. It is completely user generated and social participation is what will make it work.

Sunday, September 5, 2010

BP_Diigo Group

Here is my screen shot of my Diigo group. I have to wait for my invite to the Ripples group to be accepted.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

BP1_GoogleReader

This handy little gadget, Google Reader, allows me to view all of my favorite feeds that have to do with my professional industry. This is one place I can go to catch all of the new posts, information and news that is relevant to me as a designer and future educator in the field of my choosing. Keeping my AR goals in mind as well as what I do on a day to day basis, I have decided on the following 5 blogs to visit as often as possible.

1. Smashing Magazine - This site is one of my favorites. I follow them on Twitter, Blogger as well as now in Google Reader. They have insight to upcoming technology releases, reviews of what just hit the streets, as well as tips and inside tricks to get the most out of our technology today. For students to get behind the curve on technology is to start with a hand or two tied behind their back. While we may all not be able to afford the latest and greatest thing, we need to be aware of them, their capabilities and any potential movement that may stem from it.

2. Apple.com - Of course, who doesn't want to be like Apple? They are a great business model in both the business side and design side. Their website, marketing material, packaging, everything just works so well together. They have their things together and a great way to show prospective design students just how things should look and work. They also have routine specials to offer students and educators, so that is always a plus!

3. thedieline.com - Spending most of my design life in the print design world, and working on tons of package design projects, thedieline.com is logical choice for me to be aware of. They have the newest and most creative packaging design ideas and prints, information about certain printing practices, awards and even jobs that are available. Anyone that has even a slight interest in package design needs to visit this site. The examples are rarely boring and are quite motivating to get your hands dirty!

4. sixrevisions.com - This is a site that has everything from free vectors, fonts to input on just how to effectively get your website running the way it should. As opposed to thedieline.com and indesignsecrets.com this is focused mainly on web development for designers and programmers. Just as I believe we should not fall behind on technology and it's uses, the same goes for web design. Although I am not a programmer, I get my hands in to some web design from time to time and I need to be up to date on current trends and do's and dont's. This website allows me to do that.

5. indesignsecrets.com - Offering blog posts, podcasts, events, and resources, there is not a lot you won't find on this site regarding the program InDesign. Being a majority of my work is done in print, I use InDesign daily. This site allows me to find shortcuts, new ideas and even tutorials on how to pull something off just perfectly. They have forums, videocasts and all kinds of support. It is simply one of the most useful resources for someone using InDesign

BP2_iGoogleScreenShots