Quarter Reflection!

I have never been that great with using technology; so when I had signed up for this class I was nervous because I had no idea of what to expect. Looking back at this quarter (and as cliche as this sounds) I feel as if I am very proud of myself. The first day of class after reviewing all of the assignments that we would be completing I felt extremely overwhelmed and as if I would never be able to do it. What I learned throughout the quarter is to be patient because technology "has a mind of its own."

What I enjoyed the most was making the group website. Completing this website I felt was exciting because we were able to work in groups. Overall, I loved our website I felt as if it was organized, informative, and visually appealing. I enjoy being able to say that I know how to make a website using weebly. Another assignment that I really enjoyed in the class was completing the podcast. Using audacity was exciting because it allows you to be creative with music and words. Thirdly, InDesign was a program that I really enjoyed working with. I saw that the more time I spent working with InDesign the more I was able to be more creative with my work.

My overall experience with blogging is postive. Blogging was something that I had never done before, before I started in this class. What I liked about the blogging was how it really got me thinking about the assisignments we were using in class. It also allowed me to be able to understand more about the porgrams we were using and the importance of them. I learned to be more patient with technology and realized that programs get easier as you continue to use them and become more acquainted with them.

A Day Without Technology

I found this weeks blog to be really interesting because the sad part is I already expected myself to fail. I tried going without technology and I only was able to not use it for 15 minutes...yes I know thats really sad. What this assignment made me realize was how dependent I really am on technology almost every minute of the day. First, I do not go anywhere without my cell phone it always has to be with me. The article states "students primary multipurpose media tool is cellphone: especially for calling and texting." I cannot disagree with this statement because my cell phone is my primary multipurpose media tool. I am constantly texting; in one month I sent/recieved 14,000 text messages. Im glued to my phone. Someone in the article stated "it becomes a normal task to look at my phone every few minutes." I am guilty of doing this as well. If I am sitting doing homework, hanging with friends, or anything I will check my phone maybe next every few minutes but fairly frequently. Also, I feel like I would not be albe to live without TV. When I first moved into my apartment I told myself that I really needed to get cable TV. "Not watching TV was probably the easiest media source not to use." I would disagree with this because I love watching TV and feel lost without it. Overall, this assignment made me realize that I rely too much on technology; although I know that it will not be changing anytime soon.

Sixth Sense Technology

My overall reaction after watching the sixth sense video's is disappointment. In the blog description Jason states "It always amazes me when I walk into a room students are so focused on their computer technolgoy." I completely agree with this statement. I believe that our generation is obsessed with technology and it acutally scares me. Just the other day we had a conversation in class about how people always walk around campus texting and do not pay attention to where they are walking. (Although I am guilty of doing this) I do not agree with how we cannot wait to text whoever texted us back.

After watching the videos on Sixth Sense technology the first thought that came into my head was: What is technology going to look like even ten years from now? I believe that the device they were describing was really interesting and of course it would be something that anyone in our generations or even in other generations would want to buy or use. It is convenient, interesting, and can be used for many different purposes. The way an individual could take pictures with their hands, go shopping and be able to look up alternative information about a product while holding it, and get that information quickly while standing there; who wouldnt like that? I cannot say that I wouldnt but I do believe that we are moving into a digital world everyday. I believe there are alot of drawbacks of living in a digital world. Already people today are impatient and want everything within a touch of a button but this is not real life. Even my dad told me that before technology evolved into what it is today people used to be alot more patient. Although I will never say technolgoy is a bad thing I do believe that it has changed people into becoming more and more impatient. The benefits of a digital world is being able to accomplish more within a given day. People always complain about not being able to accomplish enough. Im sure if we lived in a more digtal evolved world we would be able to do more in one day.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7a8m037Hkfo  Microsoft presents tabletop technology. (no mouse, no keyborad) Surface computing- everything happens with your fingertips. Camera underneath react to your fingers and follow what you are trying to do.

About Weebly

"Websites for grown-ups, no technical skills required: that's Weebly's promise. We decided to do you a favor and take a closer look." This statement was posted on the top of the review of this website. With this statement I believe that Weebly is trying to reach out to all kinds of audiences such as older adults that may not have experience with using Weebly.

 

My Personal Thoughts:

I personally believe that using Weebly is easy, fast, and effective. Our group is currently using Weebly to complete our group website and we have no had too many problems. The major concern that I have with Weebly is I feel at times that it is too simple.

Prices: A basic package is free. The Pro plan costs 3.99 per month if you sign up for a year. Then it is 2.99 if you were to sign up for two years. If you are wanting a .com domain then it would cost 39.95 per year.

Ratings:

1.) Easy use- 5/5 stars

2.) Template Choice and Flexibility- 5/5 stars

3.) Advertisement free- yes

4.) Language- 3/5

5.) Depth of navigation- 5/5

6.) Fun factor- 5/5

7.) Overall Rating- 5/5

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMF6nS-lhoo

(This is an overview of how to use weebly)

http://www.websitetooltester.com/en/reviews/weebly-review/ 

Weebly was created in 2006 and their main goal was to allow as many people as possible to set up a website that looks professional. Now about 3 million people use Weebly. The down side to Weebly is they do not have a live customer support. Responding to customers is done via email.

http://www.easywebsitebuilders.net/best/weebly/

 

Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube

Facebook and Twitter:

http://www.mediabistro.com/alltwitter/social-media-lifecycle_b17744

“Twitter and Facebook allow businesses of all sizes to spot trends and track sentiment, filter and analyze data, collaborate with fans.” Nowadays social media such as twitter and Facebook are not just used for friends and family. The reason that business organizations are trying to reach to audiences on Facebook and twitter is because of how popular both of these social media networks are.

2008:

Facebook users: 100 million

Twitter users: 1.3 million

2009:

Facebook users: 300 million

Twitter users: 6 million

2010:

Facebook users:  500 million

Twitter users: 105 million

2011:

Facebook users: 800 million

Twitter users: 225 million

Random statistics:

·         “36% of social media users post brand related information on sm.”

·         “2/3 social media users say twitter influences purchases.”

·         “74% of people who purchase entertainment produces discuss them on social networks.”

LinkedIn:

http://socialmediatoday.com/mike-johansson/437862/5-ways-undermine-your-linkedin-profile

This website is useful to know what not to do on your LinkedIn profile.

1.)    Use a bad profile picture: “image that makes you look like someone I would not want to work with, collaborate with or in any other way connect with.”

2.)    Write a poor professional headline: Use as few words as possible and make sure that its professional. Most likely the audience will see the shortened version.

3.)    Having an ineffective summary: This space should be used to effectively summarize your professional experience, who you are (in a professional way), or talk about your current position.

4.)    Ignore how your Public Profile looks: If you are not willing to keep connected on your LinkedIn then you should not create an account. You should be able to keep your information current and updated.

5.)    Making your connections open: “By leaving the connections open anyone can creep on your profile and find other people to connect with. If you know them that’s fine, but if you don’t you’re exposing your connections to who know what.”

I have previously learned about LinkedIn in my communication 318 class last quarter. I learned how you can use LinkedIn to keep social networking open, communication with others in your desired field, set up internships or jobs, and to overall just portray who you are as a person. 

YouTube:

http://ezinearticles.com/?Social-Media-Marketing-Using-YouTube&id=6686232

“When talking of social media, people forget that YouTube is a very useful social media tool that can be used for more purposes than to share music videos and personal video logs. There are almost 15,000 videos uploaded on YouTube every single day.” I personally have never put too much thought into thinking of YouTube as social media but in reality it is because it is connecting millions of people to social media every day. It could be music, an informational piece, to do instructions, etc. A positive aspect to YouTube is that it is cost effective “It is an excellent way to reach out to millions of viewers.”

Week 4 Post (podcast and audacity)

Podcasting
Pros of Podcasting:
Podcasting is used to keep people updated on current news and problems around the world. If they do not want to read about the news individuals are able to just listen. Secondly, sometimes podcasts are used for school purposes such as if you miss a lecture from a teacher, some teachers will make podcasts available for students to listen. Thirdly, it is a postive way for businesses to make an advertisement for their products. Overall, it is a very inexpensive tool to use.
Cons of Podcasting:
A disadvantage of using podcasting is that not everyone has the best voice to record. Having a clear loud enough voice is key when recording so that your audience can understand and hear what you are saying. Secondly, there is not two way interaction so if the audience is confused on what is being stated then they are not able to ask questions.

http://www.brighthub.com/internet/web-development/articles/34767.aspx

Personally what I enjoy about podcasts is that they can be really fun and informative at the same time. I listen to many podcasts that are available on NPR.

http://www.npr.org/player/v2/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=4&islist=false

Audacity:
Below I posted a basic video of how to use audacity. I watched it just for an overview of what we learned in class.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rQr5YVNqI0

What I like about audacity it that it seems faily easy to use which makes me alot less nervous to use this program.

Music Beds/Sound Effects:
Below is a website about how to add music using audacity which is something that I personally feel like I might be troubled with the most while using audacity.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2031997_add-music-podcast-using-audacity.html
Below is a link on how to fade music while using audacity.
http://tag.wonderhowto.com/fade-music-audacity/

Contrast Repitition Allignment and Proximity

This week in class we learned about C.R.A.P: Contrast, Repitition, Allignment, and Proximity.

The class definition of contrast is:
-make different things different
-bring out dominant elements
-mutes lesser elements
-creates dynamism

http://www.webdesignerdepot.com/2010/09/fully-understanding-contrast-in-design/

This website is an introduction to understanding contast. This website defines contrast as “the difference in visual properties that makes an object (or its representation in an image) distinguishable from other objects and the background.” This website gives information on color, shape, size, and positional contrast. Overall, this site shows people how to make their websites interesting; and stand out.

The class defintion of Repitition is:
-repeat design throughout the interface
-consistency
-creates unity

http://thinkvitamin.com/design/how-crap-is-your-site-design/

This website covers all the elements of C.R.A.P. "The repetition of design elements down a page reinforces their meaning to the user, as well as letting the designer organize the layout in a cohesive manner." Repitition throughout the website leads for readers to find key information easier and it makes it easier for the audience to read.

The class defintion of Allignment is:
-creates a visual flow
-visually connects elements

http://desktoppub.about.com/od/designprinciples/a/alignment.htm

This websites states allignment:

create order

organize page elements

group items

create visual connections

There is horizantal, vertical, edge, center, visual or optical allignment. "Lack of alignment creates a sloppy, unorganized look. Mixing too many alignments can have a similiar effect."

Photoshop- Week 2

Photoshop is a fairly new program to me; I have used it a little in high school but I do not remember most of anything. It was helpful this week to go over some of the major tools within the program we will be using. The gradient tool was a major tool that we used this week. It was the rectangular box located on the left hand side of the screen. Next, learning how to use text. The T located in the tool box allows you to enter in text content. Thirdly, the triangular tool is the move tool; once you select this tool then you are able to move content around the page. Fourth, if you click control select all layers it will move as one unit together. Fifth, if you select the selection tool it allows you to take out parts of the background and either delete it or move it around. Lastly, learning how to insert an image; once you find your image and it is saved to the desktop you then are able to move that image into Photoshop by dragging it in.  

Photoshop Videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4EooYoYYTQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pi_0KAP2Lxc

Kara Smolke Communication 350

A little bit about me

Hello everyone! My name is Kara Smolke I am a Communication major and am hoping to graduate by the end of summer 2012. I have no idea what my future will bring but I am hoping to find a job within the radio industry. I see this class being a challenge for myself but I am excited to learn new aspects of Communication technology. I have a twin sister who also goes to Western. I am outgoing and love meeting new people!

10 Rules about Web Design

1.) Your web pages should be easy to read: I know that there is nothing more frusterating then going to a web page and you feel like you are not able to read the content. Crazy, tiny, and fonts that are too fancy can be difficult to read. Simple is better. (Axandra)

2.) Your web page titles are explanatory: Being able to know what you are about to read is helpful. I have been on websites where the titles or sub headings do not explain what I am about to read. (Axandra)

3.) The contents on your web page should be clearly arranged: Clutter is not fun to deal with. I like to be able to go to a website and be able clearly understand why words and photos are placed on the web page. (Axandra)

4.) Make use of full browser window: Just as we have talked about in class it is always good to use the full web page. I have seen web pages that do not use the full space and I feel like it does not like professional and less credible. (Ten Rules of Web Design)

5.) Check the site for errors: I have seen sites that have spelling errors and problems with links. I usually then do not use the website because it is not credible in my eyes. (Ten Rules of Web Design)

6.) Consistency is key: I believe that this is true for anything that is written. If writing is not consistent then it is really unpleasant to read. (Ten Rules of Web Design)

7.) Design is paramount: Websites that are appealing to look at when you are looking at it for even the first five seconds is postive for your audience. It will attract them to want to look further into the website. (Ten Rules of Web Design)

8.) The URL on the web page is meaningful: As we have talked about in class it makes more sense for your URL to match the content that is on the web page. As mentioned before clarity is essential. (Axandra)

9.) Color is critical: Personally I like to choose the color black when using fonts and in the background nothing too flashy that will take away from the content on your page. Like stated in number one simple can be better. (Ten Rules of Web Design)

10.) Navigation should be intuitive: Relating to clarity it is always good when you are able to find what you are looking for. (Ten Rules of Web Design)

"Website Design Tips For Professional Sites" IBD HOST. March 2009. http://www.axandra.com/
"10 Rules of Web Site Design." Sharpened Productions. 2011. http://www.sharpened.com/web/about/rules.html