How Ancient Documents Can Teach Modern Design Principles

After pondering over The Book of Kells and the documents inside, I found that while their design methods were rather ornate, foundations of good design practiced in our modern day are evident. Their writing and art is incredibly intricate, but would not be construed as "busy" due to the correct usage of color, patterns, and structure. Although the style in which medievial writings and art were created differs from modern design, the principles of good design are intrinsically there.

All four of the C.R.A.P (Contrast, Repetition, Alignment, and Proximity) elements can be identified in this book. When viewing the Virgin and Child, I was impressed with the use of different patterns to create a contrast between the different areas of the page. Hues of blue, red, purple, and yellow were used repeatedly to give the graphic a sense of cohesiveness. While different types of patterns were used to create contrast between distinct portions of the page, the patterns were also repetitious within those pieces. The placement of the patterns down the right and left side of the page while centering the Virgin and Son gives both vertical and horizontal alignment to this work. Proximity of the angels to the top left and right of the Virgin, along with the position of the servants, is intentional to convey the role of each element placed on the page.


The authors used the various design principles of C.R.A.P. to draw attention to the importance of certain information on the page. The example of the Virgin Mary and Child shows how she is on the center of the page and the largest element, with the angels in each top left corner denoting a higher power and protection, while the servants are placed in the bottom left and right corner as smaller figures. The use of this placement portrays the hierarchy and importance of each element on the page. An intricate mosaic pattern is used to seperate the top middle and bottom areas which creates an alignment within the artwork and is visually appealing to the eye.

References:

Sullivan, E. (1920). The Book of Kells. Retrieved November 20, 2010, from http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/celt/bok/img/pl02.jpg

The ups and downs of creating a Public Service Announcement (PSA)

You never think about what actually goes into a seemingly simple 60 second spot on TV. Creating a PSA for this course gave me insight into the many hours and multiple skills required to convey a message in an efficient and effective manner. I was fortunate to have a group where the skill set was divided evenly and we all agreed on which part of the process individual members would be responsible for. Here is the finished product:



Our group utilized Google Docs to work and chat about the pre-production process and edit our pre-production document. While finding appropriate times where everyone in the group was available, we did manage to meet at least twice a week to collaborate and revise our PSA script, shot selections, and audio/voiceovers. The first PSA ended up being twenty (20) seconds over the limit, so the group brainstormed about footage to cut and number of seconds text needed to up on the screen. After posting the edited video for review to Google Docs, we decided to use YouTube as our web delivery platform as our target audience is mainly tweens/teens.

I would say that if given more time, more footage in different settings could be taken to procure the best shots. The other component that seems simple, but really needs to be given more attention is voiceovers. The human voice conveys such a range of feelings and can be a very compelling tool in a PSA. Overall, my group worked well together and did a great job putting together this PSA. I would definitely like to use this exercise in my classroom setting.

The Benefits of the Web Conference in an Online Class

The option of participating in Web Conferences has always been a part of my Lamar Experience. I cannot say that I have been a member of many, but knowing the option is there is very important. The connection with a live member of faculty is irreplaceable and having the addition of video conferencing to the online environment gives me that added feeling of comfort and confidence. A "face to face" meeting with the professor personalizes the experience which has proven to make online learning more engaging.

Participating in the Web Conferences has allowed me to connect with my classmates as well as helped me clarify the material through their questions and comments along with mine. I have found the mix of online learning along with the ability to communicate with faculty and peers in real-time to be an effective learning environment.

Video Editing with Avidemux!

Here's is my tutorial for Avidemux:




See more Audio at TeacherTube.com.
Enjoy and I hope it is beneficial in your endeavors to add a rich multimedia experience to your classrooms.

The Power of Expression through Video Editing...

My knowledge of video editing has been limited to two products in the past; Windows Movie Maker (free) and Adobe Premier (very expensive). Incorporating the thought voiced by Andrew Garrison “Media production offers a means for students to talk to whomever they think is an important audience” while providing a solid but affordable mechanism for doing that is quite a juggling act (Garrison, 1999). I want to provide my students with creative ways to deliver assessments that are not costly or frustrating. By having the opportunity to research and analyze two open source video editing software packages, I can construct quality assignments that my students will have the tools to complete with minimal hassle.

After analyzing several factors including the majority of schools and users are on a PC platform, I narrowed down my comparison to two packages; Avedimux and Zwel-Stein. “Though the Mac offers some of the best choices when thinking about purchasing the high-end editing software, the PC is actually better when it comes to using freeware editing software.”(Burley, 2009). Both packages offer popular output file formats such as AVI, WMV, and MP4. Avedimux has a easy to understand interface and allows the user to cut, reformat, resize, and encode videos with ease. Zwel-Stein has a more robust toolbox, but the interface is not as user-friendly and presents more of a challenge to learn – there are not as many step-by-step tutorials available. My choice for beginners would be Avedimux; more suited to the younger set, while Zwel-Stein may work for older students with time built in for learning the new software. I would like to incorporate a video project into my game curriculum for students to demonstrate their games through the use of multimedia, including video and audio, which could allow for a wider audience to view and critique their work.

References:

Burley, S. (2009, 06 30). The Best Freeware and Open Source Video Editing Software. Retrieved 09 04, 2010, from Bright Hub: http://www.brighthub.com/multimedia/video/articles/2377.aspx

Garrison, A. (1999). Video basics and production projects for the classroom. Center for Media Literacy. Retrieved September 5, 2010, from http://www.medialit.org/reading_room/article3.html

The Power of Digital Storytelling

Through my Multimedia and Video Technology assignment this week, I have found Digital Storytelling to be a powerful tool for conveying information, thoughts, and feelings. Being able to participate in this project and revisit how my mother has impacted my life since her death has been a vehicle for learning and connecting that past experience to my present. I have a new found appreciation for all of the positive virtues she imparted to me and I can only hope to be that kind of influence on my children. Please view my video:




Giving students a chance to express their understanding of content through this technology medium would be an effective and creative way to improve delivery of curriculum in the classroom.

I'm Definitely a Fan of Action Research :-)

As a new faculty member taking over the Game Development and Design program at LoneStar College – Kingwood, this class could not have come at a better time for me. My program will benefit from the skills I learned as I apply them to a pre-existing problem in the program which I am supposed to “fix”. I really had no knowledge or preconceptions about the research process, which is why I appreciate learning about action research before any other type of method.

My initial wondering was based on a Workforce Education Report Card that my Dean gave me stating that our score was considered “borderline” and the program could get cut after the 2010-2011 school year. “Sometimes when you just look at numbers, it doesn’t tell you the whole story” (Briseno). After hearing this statement in Johnny Briseno’s interview during the second week of class, I really started to investigate what was behind the numbers that determined the program’s fate which led me to my initial wonderings.

I really was able to visualize the project by creating the SIP/PIP Plan of Action. “Although a written plan is not necessary to participate in continuous improvement and to take action, putting your plans in writing helps keep your school focused” (Harris, Edmonson, & Combs, 2010). This form of structure will keep the project from “bleeding” out of the initial boundaries set and ensure that critical issues get addressed. The task of putting the plan together took time, but I can see through this process that spending more time in the initial phases of the project definitely will save time later; being proactive instead of reactive.

The practices of daily self-reflection and sharing have been the most valuable skills I have taken away from this class. I never thought I had time for self-reflection, but found out that I get more crucial tasks done if I spend a few minutes just thinking about my day. “The initial steps in the improvement process take time, patience, thought, and reflection. Rushing through these steps can produce superficial activities” (Harris, Edmonson, & Combs, 2010). I have colleagues and committees at work that I present information to, but sharing my SIP/PIP Plan of Action through the class blog and my blog produced invaluable feedback. I found that sharing my thoughts was also a form of self-reflection. “..the process of preparing your findings to share with others helps you clarify your own thinking about your work” (Dana, 2009). I wrote my reflections in a more concise and organized manner and added detail I may have not included initially.

This class also reminded me of why I am an educator. Ultimately, we as teachers go through the learning process to improve our students’ lives through education. “By cultivating this inquiry stance toward practice, principals, and teachers play a critical role in enhancing their own professional growth and ultimately the experience of schooling for children” (Dana, 2009). I am thankful for the opportunity to be involved in the Educational Technology Leadership Program through Lamar University.

References:

Briseno, J. (n.d.). Principal, Rancho Isabella Elementary, Angleton ISD. (E. Arterbury, & S. Jenkins, Interviewers)

Dana, N. F. (2009). Leading with Passion and Knowledge. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.

Harris, S., Edmonson, S., & Combs, J. (2010). Examining What We Do to Improve Our Schools. Larachmont, NY: Eye on Education.