Blog #9

Although it has been a huge pain in the rear I feel I am ending this class with a feeling of accomplishment. I started this quarter with no knowledge of PhotoShop or Windows Movie Maker. I had zero experience with either applications. My first experiences with the applications were very humbling and frusturating. In fact, I came very close to chucking my monitor out of my bedroom window during my first Photoshop project. I have broken several mouses while playing online poker, but I have never experienced this kind of rage on the computer. I have dropped so many f-bombs this quarter. So thanks PAES 642, I now curse like a sailor. My mother would be very proud.

Slowly but surely my comfort level with the software increased with each project. I now feel fairly confident when using Photoshop. I am by no means an expert and certianly still have much to learn. I would be fairly confident in teaching very basic Photoshop tools and techniques, which is my personel measure of learning.

After struggling with Photoshop, the movie software was comparitively simple to learn. The toughest part of using this software is the creativity aspect. I don't feel that I am a very creative person, so I struggle to come up with cool ideas for movies. In closing although I would not describe myself as "tech saavy", my competence and confidence is night and day from where they were at the beginning of the quarter. Take care. Jon

Blog #7

I am currently developing a video that goofs on President Bush. I cannot stand the man so this video holds personal interest for me. I plan on incorporating images I find on the internet and some of my Photoshop images from earlier in the quarter. At this point I am about half-way done with my video. So far, I am satisfied with the outcome. I have shared the video with a few people and have recieved mostly postitive feedback (my mom is a staunch Republican so she is "very offended by my work"). Hopefully the Secret Service doesn't show up at my door after I post the completed video :=) . Take Care. Jon Link

Blog #8

I can see myself incorparatig Microsoft Movie Make professionaly in a number of ways. I will use MMM by allowing students to create projects using the application. The software really allows one's creative spark to light and the software's ease of usage makes it ideal for the classroom. As I have mentioned in previous posts, I believe that applications such as MMM have a lot of utility in the classroom because they integrate both visual learning and a constructivist perspective.

As a future business teacher I can see myself integrating MMM into marketing and advertising, economic, and technology-based lessons. Movie Maker will provide another visual learning tool for my students. I would also like to congratulate the newest member of my most-hated list. The Anna Nicole Smith custody trial has now replaced Paris Hilton on the list. Once again, congratulations. Take care. Jon link

Blog #6

I am working on a solo video project for time reasons (I don't have any this quarter to meet up with a group with any sort of regularity). I have some basic ideas for my project, nothing is set in stone yet. So far I enjoy using Movie Maker. It is much much easier to learn than Photoshop :=) My brainstorming process for movie project ideas is identical to my brainstorming process for Photoshop projects. I stare at my computer screen, break my stare long enough to skim ESPN.com, than start the staring contest with my computer screen all over agian. Eventually something pops into my head and I take it from there. That is all. Take care.

Jon

Blog #5

Graphic design and page layout are very important to contemporary literacy and learning because technology has become such an important tool in instruction. As technology has diffused throughout society and become commonplace (think MP3 players, computer applications like Photoshop, ect.), it is only natural that educators will began to use these applications as tools for teaching. Graphic design and page layout provide educators with alternate options when deciding upon instructional strategies for the classroom. As a constructivist perspective of education becomes more accepted in the classroom, it is important that students are able to participate in "hands on" projects. I am of the opinion that adolescents are increasingly becoming visual learners due to the diffusion of technology throughout society. Applications like graphic design and page layout play to the strengths of a visual learner while allowing manipulation of the surrounding environment. Alright, enough rambling, take care. Jon