Course+Portfolio

**Course Portfolio** **Name:** Kayla Smith **Major:** Educational Technology **Semester:** Fall 2011

**My Projects:** **Graphics Activity Two** **Graphics Activity Three** ||< These activities were completed using //GIMP// as well as some other online editing tools. In Graphics Activity One, I edited an image and altered the background by applying different features to the image in //GIMP//. In Graphics Activity Two, I created a banner for my job to illustrate the underlying principles of the YMCA organization, "For Youth Development, For Healthy Living, For Social Responsibility." This activity was by far one of my favorites! In Graphics Activity Three, I edited an image using two different programs, //Picture 2 Life// and //Picnik//, and compared several of the features in both programs. || **Audio Activity Two** **Audio Activity Three ** ||< These activities were completed using //Audacity// and //Aviary's Myna// sound editing programs. In Audio Activity One, I used //Audacity// to narrate my Graphics Project as I explained the correlation between the quote that I chose and the movie, //Peter Pan//. In Audio Activities Two and Three, I explored both programs, //Audacity// and //Myna//, to create short podcasts incorporating narration, music and special effects. || **Video Activities Two/Three** ||< These activities were completed using //Windows Movie Maker//, //Jing//, and //Animoto//. In Video Activity One, I created a short video on the holiday season as I explored the different features within //Windows Movie Maker//. In Video Activities Two and Three, I utilized //Jing// to produce several screenshots as well as a screencast. I also learned about a new program, //Animoto//, and created a short video on Clemson University because that is where I received my undergraduate degree. || **Web Activity Two ** ||< This activity was completed in //Kompozer// and displayed on a //GoDaddy// domain. I created the website for my job as a resource for students and parents. This assignment allowed me to produce an attractive website in order to provide important information as well as upcoming dates and reminders for the families that I communicate with on a daily basis. ||
 * **Graphics Activity One**
 * <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Graphics Project ** ||< <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">This project was completed in the program, //GIMP//. I chose to create a collage on a quote about imagination with examples from the movie, //Peter Pan//. ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Audio Activity One**
 * <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Video Activity One**
 * <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Web Activity One**
 * <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Tool Shed Project ** ||< <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">This project was both enlightening and informative because it introduced me to many educational tools and resources (most of which were free). I think the Tool Shed Project was extremely helpful as I learned new and creative ways to present information to my students at school. ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Teach-A-Lesson Project ** ||< <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">This project allowed me to become familiar with one of the resources that I explored in my Tool Shed Project. //Engrade// contains numerous features and tools for students, parents, and teachers to use in and out of the classroom. This website is a great way for parents and teachers to collaborate, communicate and stay involved in the educational process. ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Final Project ** ||< <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">I created this project on Sex Education in Schools using //Windows Movie Maker//. The Final Project allowed us to showcase all of the skills that we had learned throughout this semester in EDET 603, including graphics, audio, and video manipulation. ||

My portfolio contains several of the artifacts that I have created this semester in EDET 603, Design and Development Tools. I utilized and explored many different programs, including image and sound editing software (//GIMP//, online tools, //Audacity//, //Aviary’s Myna//) as well as video and web development tools (//Windows Movie Maker//, //Jing//, //Animoto//, //Kompozer//). All of the assignments organized in this portfolio show the progress that I have made this semester, the information that I have learned, and the successes that I have achieved as an individual in the Educational Technology program. Ultimately, the skills that I have gained in this course will help me in the future as I continue to further my education.
 * My Reflection: **

From August until now, I have grown in several ways and expanded my knowledge with a variety of innovative tools and techniques. This semester can be compared to a rollercoaster ride as I experienced many obstacles and challenges from some of the assignments; however, there were lessons learned as well as numerous successes in the completion of the activities and projects displayed in my portfolio. Furthermore, the artifacts presented in this portfolio show my progress and growth throughout the entire semester.

Below are the specific activities and projects that I completed as well as the lessons that I learned, difficulties that I encountered, successes that I achieved, and the things that I would do differently next time.
 * ** Graphics Activities **
 * // Lessons Learned: // While completing the graphics activities, I learned a great deal of information as I explored several of the image editing programs that we used this semester. I learned about several of the features within //GIMP//, including the steps to follow to alter the background of an image as well as the steps to follow to create a banner. In addition, I examined many of the online image editing programs, such as //Picture2Life// and //Picnik//, and compared the features within each one. While experimenting with these programs, I became knowledgeable about the various tools and features that could be used to edit an image in a unique way.
 * // Difficulties: // I experienced difficulty throughout all of these assignments because I hadn’t ever used //GIMP// or another online image editing tool. I watched several tutorials to help me with the features in //GIMP// which allowed me to create an appealing image and banner. Unfortunately, I had to start over multiple times because I was either not happy with the way the assignment looked when I finished or I clicked on the wrong tool and altered the image in an unexpected way.
 * // Changes: // If I could go back to the beginning of the semester with the knowledge that I have gained, I would revise the process that I used to complete the graphics activities. I believe that with a more efficient process, I could have created a better image in less time. I also would have considered buying //PhotoShop Elements// because I am familiar with the tools and features within this program. Using a different program may have led to more success throughout the graphics activities.
 * ** Graphics Project **
 * // Lessons Learned: // During the Graphics Project, I learned the steps to follow in creation of a collage. I selected several images from //Peter Pan// to illustrate a quote on the imagination. The interesting part of this assignment was learning how to layer multiple images within the collage.
 * // Difficulties: // Unfortunately, the process I used for my collage was LONG and interesting because I started over multiple times which in totality took me five hours to complete. A definite weakness of the process that I used would be the amount of time that I spent and therefore could be associated with the lack of knowledge navigating around the graphics program, //GIMP//. I thought I was prepared for this project because of the previous assignments, but obviously I encountered a few problems with various features in the program. I also started over several times because I wasn’t pleased with the placement or the quality of the images in my collage.
 * // Changes: // If I could go back to the beginning of the semester with the knowledge that I have gained, I don’t think I would change anything in this project. I believe that my collage represents the quote that I used and therefore is complete.
 * ** Audio Activities **
 * // Lessons Learned: // While completing the audio activities, I learned a great deal of information as I explored the sound editing software that we used this semester. I learned about several of the features within Audacity and Aviary’s Myna to create short podcasts incorporating narration, music, and special effects. In Audio Activity One, I used //Audacity// to narrate my Graphics Project as I explained the correlation between the quote that I chose and the movie, //Peter Pan//. In Audio Activities Two and Three, I examined both programs and became knowledgeable about the various features, including recording voice narration, altering the music selection, and enhancing the podcast with special effects (fade in, fade out). I learned new and helpful information during the completion of each activity and will use this information in the future.
 * // Difficulties: // I encountered several difficulties upon completing these activities. Initially, it is always a challenge to learn new software and programs. However, //Audacity// was more simple and easier-to-use than //Aviary’s Myna//. I thought that //Audacity// was a better program and contained many features to be a free sound editing tool. Both //Aviary’s Myna// and //Audacity// were similar to use and I will continue to benefit from these free online tools in the future.
 * // Changes: // If I could go back to the beginning of the semester with the knowledge that I have gained, I would ensure that the quality of my voice could be heard more easily when the narration and music are arranged together. As stated earlier, I would also consider buying a robust sound editing program or research //Audacity// in a thorough manner to become more knowledgeable and well-versed with the features and tools.
 * ** Video Activities **
 * // Lessons Learned: // These activities were completed using //Windows Movie Maker, Jing,// and //Animoto//. In Video Activity One, I created a short video on the holiday season as I explored the different features within //Windows Movie Maker//, including the use of transitions, video effects, and music as well as organizing the entire video with different images and text. In Video Activities Two and Three, I utilized //Jing// to produce several screenshots as well as a screencast video. Both the screenshots and screencast were helpful because I hadn’t ever used these before. I also learned about a new slideshow program, //Animoto//, and created a short video on Clemson University. //Animoto// is simple and easy-to-use when compared with //Windows Movie Maker//; however, //Animoto// costs money and only allows you to create a short video in order to examine the product and determine future applications of its use.
 * // Difficulties: // One major difficulty that I encountered was determining the correct method to use when producing a screenshot with just my computer. //Wikipedia// provided directions to use the buttons [Fn] + [Prt Sc]; however, those didn’t work on my computer so I had to research the correct buttons to use when producing a screenshot (without using a program). Another difficulty that I experienced was within //Windows Movie Maker//. I think this program is poorly arranged which detracts from the final product. For example, I inserted transitions into my movie which created a huge challenge because then most of the slides were disconnected from the appropriate text. The movie would play, but the slides would be displaying incorrect information. //Windows Movie Maker// is a significant problem and I wish I had used another program.
 * // Changes: // If I could go back to the beginning of the semester with the knowledge that I have gained, I would choose another program to use besides //Windows Movie Maker//. I believe that there are better video editing tools to use when attempting to produce an attractive and interesting video. I also didn’t really like the free version of //Animoto//, but I examined other slideshow programs and they were all limiting and restrictive as well.
 * ** Web Activities **
 * // Lessons Learned: // The web activities were extremely difficult and probably the most problematical for me this semester. These assignments were completed in //Kompozer// and displayed on a //GoDaddy// domain. I created the website for my job as a resource for students and parents. This activity allowed me to produce an attractive website in order to provide important information as well as upcoming dates and reminders for the families that I communicate with on a daily basis. I learned many things in the creation of this website, including how to construct multiple pages within the website, how to embed an image and video, how to insert a link with specific text, how to utilize a CSS Template, how to create meaningful window titles, and much more. The Web Guide that we studied and referred to in Web Activity One taught me a great deal of information about creating websites as well.
 * // Difficulties: // I didn’t realize that this assignment was such a challenge until I attempted to publish the website on my domain. I had to call //GoDaddy.com// several times because I think either the template or //Kompozer// had some issues that I could not diagnose myself. All of the text, images, and video within the pages on my website would function properly in //Kompozer//, but not when I published it on my domain. They instructed me to edit the HTML code which was extremely difficult. Luckily, we resolved the issues and my website looks great!
 * // Changes: // If I could go back to the beginning of the semester with the knowledge that I have gained, I would purchase and use //Adobe Dreamweaver// instead of //Kompozer// to design and publish my website. I think I would have encountered fewer problems if I would have used a different program to create the website. It literally scares me to think about editing the information within my website because I’m afraid that some parts won’t function properly after I do. However, I designed the website to use for my job and I will need to edit the information because it continually changes and therefore will defeat the purpose if I don’t revise it regularly and keep it up-to-date.
 * ** Tool Shed Project **
 * // Lessons Learned: // This project was enlightening and informative because it introduced me to many educational tools and resources (most of which were free). I think the Tool Shed Project was extremely helpful as I learned new and creative ways to present information to my students at school. There are so many programs that have an educational focus, including Engrade, Webspiration and Yaca Paca (just to name a few), which can be used to assist students in the classroom.
 * // Difficulties: // I didn’t encounter a lot of difficulty with this project. However, it was a challenge to find appropriate and free Web 2.0 tools.
 * // Changes: // If I could go back to the beginning of the semester with the knowledge that I have gained, I would search for simply educational tools and resources. I would also continue to gather tools for those with learning disabilities. Ultimately, I wish I would have found more than ten tools for this project.
 * ** Teach-A-Lesson Project **
 * // Lessons Learned: // This project allowed me to become familiar with one of the resources that I explored in my Tool Shed Project. //Engrade// contains numerous tools and resources for students, parents, and teachers to use in and out of the classroom. This website is a great way for parents and teachers to collaborate, communicate, and stay involved in the educational process. While completing this project, I learned how to thoroughly use the features within //Engrade//, including organizing the information for a new class, creating a new assignment and a seating chart, entering grades into the gradebook, and engaging students in an online discussion. This website is a helpful tool and resource for parents to document important information (attendance records, disciplinary actions) and stay involved in their child’s education.
 * // Difficulties: // The biggest difficulty that I encountered with this project was creating a screencast video. I had to start over several times because I was not happy with the way it turned out. I’m unsure as to what causes this, but the screencast video is displayed small and distorted. This happened earlier in the semester during the video activities, and I don’t know what I’m doing wrong.
 * // Changes: // If I could go back to the beginning of the semester with the knowledge that I have gained, I would utilize a different program, such as //Camtasia//, to create my screencast video for this project. After completing the video and uploading it to my //Wikispace// page, I realized that there was a problem and it was exactly like the one I experienced in Video Activities Two and Three. Nonetheless, I linked to my screencast video on the //Jing// website, but I wish I could have diagnosed the problem for future use.
 * ** Final Project **
 * // Lessons Learned: // I created this project on Sex Education in Schools using //Windows Movie Maker//. The Final Project allowed us to showcase all of the skills that we had learned throughout this semester in EDET 603, including graphics, audio, and video manipulation. I chose this topic because I wanted to connect with both a middle and high school audience. I also think that Sex Education in Schools is a very important topic that isn’t discussed enough with teenagers. While watching my PSA, students will be forced to consider the consequences associated with engaging in sexual intercourse at a young age. I learned a great deal of information as I developed the final project, including the steps to follow to create an appealing movie. I attempted to incorporate meaningful images as well as a compelling message, transitions to help the slides flow more smoothly, and music to enhance the video. I also learned a lot about the ADDIE process because of the different stages in this project (Outline, Flow Chart, and Storyboard). Ultimately, the final project consumed more of my time than any other assignment, but I feel as though I learned the most during this important phase.
 * // Difficulties: // First of all, I always experience difficulty when attempting to find copy-right free images and music. I searched Creative Commons several times for images on sex education and never could find any images that I could use in my project. I also spent hours listening to many different songs in hopes that I would locate the perfect music for my project, but unfortunately that never happened. I know several songs with copy-right limitations that would have helped me to convey this message in a better way. I believe the music and images are two of the most important pieces of information in this project and I think I could have connected to the audience on a different level if I would have been able to use more effective visual and auditory content. Secondly, I really don’t like //Windows Movie Maker//. This program limits and restricts a person from producing a GREAT movie (which was my main goal). I couldn’t upload multiple images onto one slide, alter the text as much as I wanted, and the transitions were a huge complication! If I had realized that there would be so many challenges with //Windows Movie Maker//, I would have purchased a different program that included more advanced features. Third, I think my topic was complex and contained a great deal of information. I wanted to include so much more in the PSA, but I considered the time restraints which were between two to three minutes (and I went over a little there). My topic on sex education deals with tremendous amounts of important information, including teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, that all teenagers need to know in order to potentially save their life or someone else’s.
 * // Changes: // If I could go back to the beginning of the semester with the knowledge that I have gained, I would most definitely search for a different program to use and purchase. I was not fond of the video restrictions put into place by //Windows Movie Maker//. I believe that I could have presented the topic in a more thorough manner with a different program.

As you can see, I have learned a great deal of information throughout this semester in EDET 603. This course can be compared to some of the classes that I completed in my undergraduate degree at Clemson University. We explored some of the same techniques in those classes, but they weren’t explained in nearly as much detail. My experiences this semester relates to some of the previous courses I have taken because some of the programs and processes were similar to the ones I have used before. For Example, I have utilized PhotoShop Elements and Windows Movie Maker as well as iMovie and various Web 2.0 tools in my previous classes at Clemson. Unfortunately, my instructors didn’t give me as much freedom in the assignments that I had to complete in my undergraduate degree and therefore I didn’t achieve as much success. I don’t believe that only one assignment or project was a success; however, I think that the whole semester has been a success. In every assignment, I gained knowledge about the different programs and tools and produced an appealing product whether through graphics, audio, or video manipulation. Ultimately, I think that learning in general is a success and that the completion of this portfolio with each artifact definitely displays a feeling of achievement.