My Final Project

Eleven hours later, and I am finally finished my final project. Aaaah, feels so good. There were more than a few bumps along the way, and there is no way that I could have completed this assignment without my wonderful camera man and critical friend Robbie. I don't think I can give him enough credit! Viva social learning!
I learned how to use a video camera, use a firewire to transfer the footage into iMovie, and then how to edit the images. I had to download an older version of iMovie since I was told the new one is very confusing, and because my camera was not compatible with the new version anyway. I have learned that video editing is a verrrry tedious task, unless you really know what you are doing when you film in the first place! I had no idea that it took about an hours worth of footage to make a five minute film. I am disappointed by the quality of the actual film, the pixel concentration (if that is the proper term) did not translate to YouTube. Although this project was a lot of hard work, it was so much fun to do it with Robbie, troubleshoot technical issues, and learned about the programs. Here you are, hope you enjoy:
P.s. The bloopers were just added in for fun, and are probably not as funny to you as they were to Robbie and I. :)

Tech Task #3

Like everyone else, I did not know until recently that we were assigned to find a blog that we were interested in. I went on a search and looked in Educational Blogs. I found out that there are many types of blogs, photo, fiction novella, pet's POV etc.. So then, I narrowed my search to literature. Anyone that knows me, knows that I have a very odd obsession... and that is grammar. This blog is highly entertaining in that it covers common grammar errors, etc. I love it, and you should check it out-- perhaps it will help you when you are making your next Facebook status. :)
http://thegrammarvandal.wordpress.com/

Social Learning Reflection

At the start of the year, Dean had told us that students from previous years had said that they had got to know their peers in a very profound way. This sounded all fine and dandy, but never, until I actually experienced it, did I understand the power of social learning.
Throughout the course, there were various times that my classmate Robbie and I got together and either worked on techtasks, or sat through the Elluminate sessions together. For my biggest feat, Robbie was there to help me and teach me about the tools I need to create my final project. Robin also helped me at various times throughout the semester with tech tasks. (Thank you!!) I wish I could say that I had a lot more technological prowess to offer my peers. Regardless, my experience with this class, although stressful at times, has been a positive way. Getting to know my new peers in Arts Education in such a personal way, bonding through "stressful times" is exciting.

Final Project- Sew What?

So! I haven't filled you all in on my final project idea! ... wait for it... a How-To Video on how to use a Sewing Machine! Ok, so it may seem super lame to those of you who don't know the context. First of all, I decided to take a final project from Education Aesthetics course, and make a technical spin on it! For EAES, we had to do a personal arts project, something that we've never tried before, and I decided to learn how to sew my own outfits. The result was a fantabulous apron, well I think it was fantabulous because it took a lot of time and energy. You see, I am a SERIAL non-reader of instructions. ... I guess it's a way of rebelling against myself- "I can figure this out on my own!" I would think to myself. haha. So, that was a feat in itself. When I heard about the personal arts project I went online and tried to find an instructional video on how to use my brand-new sewing machine I got for Christmas. However, what I found for how-to's was extremely disappointing. Have you ever seen that really old-school art show, usually on saturday mornings (in sindication anyway), of Bob the "fro guy" who teaches you how to whip up scenic pictures using dark sienna #22, and minted green #45. Aaah, I loved that show. I always took solace in his calm, soothing voice telling you to add a "little lonely birch tree" in the bottom right of the canvas. "Yeah, just like that...". Unfortunately, his wonderful dryness did not translate to the lame instructional videos I found on You-Tube. Sewing can be fun! And better yet, I will demonstrate a NEW model of a sewing machine, not an ancient beast of a machine from your grandmother's days. I want it to be simple and understandable. No longer, will you be a slave to Old Navy. My goal with this how-to vid is to inspire and introduce you to a way of personalizing, customizing and creating your image. ;)
My new sony video-camera, iMovie and last but not least, my awesome friend Robbie will be my tools for this Final Project.

My Story #2- VoiceThread Storytelling Tool

I thought that VoiceThread would be a better tool until we realized the tool did not contain a music option! However, I don't think we failed. We explored wayyy more than two storytelling tools I tell ya! Unlike OneTrueMedia, this tool was a bit more confusing in terms of layout of the website, but still easily manageable! VoiceThread is great for voice-over options, however, the fact that you can't add music is a bit disappointing. AS WELL, very important- There is no slideshow option for viewing that I found. I would prefer if I did not have to keep clicking next every time to see the next photo/audio.

My Story #1- OneTrueMedia Storytelling Tool

This is my first story I made using OneTrueMedia. It narrates my journey of travel, and although I have been to many more places than this, these are the places that are special to me for one reason or another. I found this storytelling tool, and found it was super easy to use! However, there was no tool to voice-over. I found this our after I was far along (woops!), so I decided to use text narration as a substitution. Uploading music and photos was effortless, I definitely recommend this tool to anyone!!! Oh, and excuse the blurriness of the photos. :S

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

iLike Podcasts from iTunes

Ok, so I am a self-proclaimed grammar fanatic. When looking for an educational podcast, I found Grammar Girl! She has easy tips and tricks for better writing, in punctuation, style, and of course, grammar. I feel like I have met my best friend as I giggle at her pet peeves of common inaccurate spellings. :) I'm a nerd, I know.

The second one that I checked out was a Yoga one. I have actually used it twice since I found it! This is a video podcast, and sure beats the same Pilates DVD I've been using for as long as I can remember. Perhaps I will find a great Pilates series on Podcast. I'm very glad to have been introduced to Podcasts!

I couldn't figure out how to embed a podcast form iTunes, and in fact, it might not be possible, so I added this link for you to check out the Yoga series!!

/Users/sarahmeyer/Desktop/Shoulder Therapy with Neesha- Inside Yoga Today Ep. 27.mp4

My Google Map- Let me take you on a tour of my home town of Emerald Park!

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I added a picture of my school on the pink thumbtack!