Week 14: Using Games for Teaching & Learning

In this week’s class, we discussed using games on the computer to facilitate teaching and learning. Computer games are incredibly important to the modern classroom as they have changed the format for learning. Current students have been raised in an era of technology unlike previous generations, and therefore are more likely to use computers and understand them better. Games facilitate learning in youth by making learning so much fun, they may not even realize that they are doing schoolwork. Computer games for learning combine the modern technology and fun factors to create a world in which learning is both accessible to any schedule and interactive through the media outlets and computer world.



This game, The Oregon Trial, is a poplar elementary school game which teaches a variety of subjects while students try to travel across the virtual Oregon Trail. History, mathematics and grammar are learned in the game through the time period reference, and purchases made by each family. Critical thinking skills are developed through the challenges the students face when travelling the Oregon Trail, and the choices they make to continue.



This is a basic educational computer game helps students learn shapes and colors while enjoying cartoon characters. They are learning basic thinking skills.



This is an example of a math game using a frog character to keep the younger students interested. The benefits of using a character would be that it distracts the students from thinking they are working by making the math fun.



This is an example of music lessons through a computer game. This could be very beneficial as not everyone has the time or money for piano lessons and with this program, the learner could fit the lessons into their schedule for a one-time fee for the software.

As a public relations major, any sort of multimedia use to help facilitate learning is useful. Public Relations practitioners are in the business of generating interest I a client’s product or organization. Therefore, an online game could be an interesting product to release in a media kit for, for example, an amusement park. The game could be educational in some way, while also informing the players of the amusement park or organization.

Week 13: Distance Education and Online Learning

In this week’s class we discussed distance education, online learning, the details of how both are accomplished, and what benefits these methods bring to students that a traditional classroom would not. Distance Education is providing a learning environment to students in different places, not in a traditional classroom setting. Educators may use mail, television, or even online communication to reach distance learners. With technological advances in today’s society, online education is becoming more prevalent and easily accessible to many who are unable to be in a traditional classroom setting, such as people with full-time jobs, people who want to take a class which is unavailable to them elsewhere, or people who are unable to travel to get to school. It provides an environment in which student may have the opportunity to study a subject which in the traditional setting they may not have had the chance.



This video demonstrates the place and time values of distance education compared to that of traditional classroom education. The classroom student had problems because he had to be in the classroom at a certain time for his class. He missed the train, and had to walk, which caused him problems. When he finally gets to class, there is no one there. The distance education student had no problems. He was able to break in the middle of his class to answer a phone call. Also, he was on the beach taking his class. This video demonstrates some of the benefits of taking distance education courses compared to taking traditional classes.

As a Public Relations major, distance education provides the tools necessary to communicate with others using a variety of techniques. In Public Relations, communication of ideas to a broad audience is sometimes vital to a campaign or a press release, as the stakeholders and publics may need to be reached immediately. An example would be the online communication used for distance education, such as podcasts, webcasting, and generating Web sites. Also, training new team members is made easy through the online learning system which commonly allows multimedia presentations to further the learners’ understanding of a concept. A good example of this in Public Relations would be learning how to complete a media kit, using examples of online multimedia software.

Week 12: The Importance of Creating a Professional Web Presence

This week in class we discussed the importance of building a strong resume and how to monitor your online personality, both of which can be accomplished through creating a Professional Web Presence. Since employers now may search for potential employees’ personal information online, making sure that your information and online personality are appropriate is vital in today’s job market. Profiles on social media sites, pictures online, and personal information should be carefully monitored to make sure that you are projecting only the best version of yourself, so as not to threaten your job. Also, Professional Web Presences may include posting information about your resume on a Web site for potential employers for online job networking, by using a site such as LinkedIn to promote yourself as a potential employee.

This is an example of a Professional Web Presence.

This Web site is from a tutorial on Google sites about creating your own Web site. This is an example of a Professional Web Presence as it depicts a personal Web site with a resume and other personal information which is essentially advertising this person to the online world.

This concept essentially applies to every field of work. As a public relations major, communications through using a Professional Web Presence as well as the online multimedia technologies used to create on may help further enhance job experiences. Public Relations is a field in which these skills are essential, and just by completing a Professional Web Presence one is demonstrating the usage of such tools required in the field such as Web site organization and maintenance, advertising (you are the product), and displaying videos or images in an online portfolio. In a sense, a Professional Web Presence details all of the skills you have for a profession in the Public Relations field as it includes an online resume.

Week 10: Open-Source Software

This lesson plan discussed open-source software as free software which is available online and can be changed or adapted in some way by users, with the source code. The idea is that open source software provides a free alternative to commonly used application software systems which may be expensive. An example would be a teacher downloading an open source photo editing software instead of purchasing the high-priced Photoshop.

I got this image from GoogleImage search, and http://assets1.csc.com/features/images/12340_2.gif.
It is a diagram of the different categories of open source software.



This image is relevant to the topic of open source software as it gives specific examples of each kind.

As a Public Relations student, open source software could easily save a lot of money within the office environment for required application software such as painting, drawing, and presentation tools that could be used for Public relations projects. Media kits, news releases, brochures, and other materials which PR officials manufacture for accounts could be produced at much cheaper costs. This could lead to more jobs at a firm due to money not being spent on expensive application software; as well as easier access and quicker completion of products due to collaborative efforts provided by open source software.

Week 9: Google Documents and Cloud Computing

This week we discussed the concept of cloud computing using the example of Google Documents. Cloud Computing is a format of creating documents, projects, etc. using the Internet for applications rather than downloading expensive software for applications. It involves a wireless hub of information technology in which users may collaborate or work individually on multimedia presentations, calendars, word documents or any other form of application without the actual software. This is the case with the application of GoogleDocs, in which users may create a document and return to it on any computer, not only the one on which the work was originated. Also, users may choose to share or collaborate on documents, thereby are allowed to change a document at the same time, in completely different places.

This YouTube video discusses the features and benefits of cloud computing, using enterprise cloud computing as an example.

This video clearly relates to the topic as it details the process of cloud computing and how the technology affects modern consumers.

Just as it relates to any business environment, cloud computing could easily relate to my interest of Public Relations. Public Relations work requires a lot of multi-tasking, as many different jobs must be completed each day in order to fulfill the many clients’ needs. Therefore, cloud computing would allow easy collaboration and transportation to different computers, for workers to let their work adapt to their busy schedule rather than vice versa.

Social Media Tools Concept Map

This is my concept map for relating five social media tools to my field of study, Public Relations. The five social media tools I selected were Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, and GoogleDocs. I chose these because I felt that each one represented a different aspect of the job of a Public Relations Practitioner.

Please View my Concept Map here.



A Public Relations (PR) worker could use Facebook to create groups for an organization, a project team, or an event. These groups could be beneficial for reminders, updates, and constant communication which are accessible for each person’s schedule. For LinkedIn, I thought that a PR workers could use this sight to recruit new employees; network with other organizations; and view the hiring and operating standards of the competing PR firms. PR workers could use Twitter to communicate quick updates, announce press conferences, and launch products to a mass audience over the Internet.

YouTube could be used for guerrilla marketing campaigns and displaying press conference videos for a mass audience. Guerrilla Marketing would be any quickly spreading video used to promote a product or service, maybe in an unusual or unique way, such as the Red Bull “Flying” contests which are heavily videoed and displayed on YouTube. Finally, GoogleDocs could be used for PR workers to help collaborative efforts on a project such as a media kit or news release. GoogleDocs could also be used for a calendar for the entire firm to see and schedule around or collaboratively.

Discussion Forum: Digital Storytellying

GoAnimate.com: cread1231's Animation by cread1231


Like it? Create your own at GoAnimate.com. It's free and fun!

I used GoAnimate.com to create a mini-cartoon, starring Underdog. I made up a story about Polly having her necklace stolen by Riff Raff and Underdog saving the day. The tool was easy to use. It has characters, voice boxes for either typing, using sound files in the system, or importing sound files to have the characters communicate. You can also create all of your own drawings, sounds, movements, etc., use some already available or surf the Internet for new ideas.

As a Public Relations major, this tool is a very good resource for ads, media kits, compiling information about a client/company which the agency is about to work with. Also, for me personally, the tool expands my abilities to quickly and efficiently tell a story. The site was very easy to use, and I compiled my own stoy vision with text and motions with characters, scenes, and sounds already available on the site. I can not stress enough the convenience of the site and the easy-to-use tools.

Week 6: Visual Literacy

As discussed in the online lesson, visual literacy involves developing a shared meaning through the use of images and materials. It is a form of communication directly through viewing images. The components of such visual communication include: dots, lines, shapes, directions, textures, hues, saturations, values, dimensions, and motions. Each of these components represents one factor that is used to create an image. Each of these is a piece that constructs the images we see. Not all of these pieces are present in every single image, but these are the most common components. In analyzing an image, or trying to comprehend the image through visual literacy, thoughts, ideas, and/or information may be expressed.



This YouTube video Amy B. Ballett by demonstrates a powerful point in the importance of visual literacy. Every image, illustration, picture, animation, etc. that we see communicates something. Individuals may perceive messages differently, but all visual images demonstrate some sort of message. Images can provoke thought, emotion, and action through the message a reader derives from viewing it. Elliot W. Eisner’s questions at the end of the video examine the relevance of visual literacy to everyday life. Also, one more important question “How is the image comprised?” not only references the medium but also relates back to the list of components which comprise all images, such as lines, dots, etc. The importance of visual literacy is very great.

As a Public Relations student, visual literacy is a highly relevant topic. The premise behind visual literacy relates directly to Public Relations through all things distributed by an advertising campaign, media kit, press release, blog, or promotional tool for a client. Most multimedia projects include at least one visual aid or resource. Public Relations is the study of communications in which a business is managing the relationships among the public and stakeholders. Therefore, any effort to assist clear, concise communication, such as a visual aid could be very useful. This is true, however, only if the visual source may be clearly defined by all involved in the same way.

Week 5: The Wonders of Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop is a computer application that can allow a user to change an image in almost any imaginable way or create a new image using an extended library of tools. In class we went over the process of using layers to generate an image based upon using tools in the application to generate a background while applying text boxes and altering ready-to use images of athletic shoes. This is just one of the many demonstrations of the fascinating and seemingly endless possibilities of photo editing available via Photoshop. The following images are of a box containing the software:



The picture of the Photoshop container is even designed to let the consumer imagine the editing possibilities. The image, taken from Adobe Photoshop CS2, shows color effects and is just inviting in general. The fact that a simple feather could look interesting speaks volumes of Photoshop.



The picture of the application of Photoshop being used, taken from Graphics and More! Online store courtesy of Google Images, is very relatable to the topic as it is a pure demonstration of the software and shows the materials and tools as the user would see them.



The final image is of a Photoshop text effect which I believe is so interesting that I would like to hopefully incorporate it into my Visual Literacy Project in some way. This is just an example of how layers and text effects through using Photoshop can create many visually stimulating pieces. The image comes from a Photoshop Text Tutorial at http://psdtuts.s3.amazonaws.com/145_Text_Overlay/large.jpg.

Photoshop is an incredibly useful application. As a Public Relations major, it commonly applies to common activities such as doing an advertising campaign, running a publication, or creating a brochure or media kit. Applications that provide assistance in creative and media arts are very applicable to this field of study. All in all, Photoshop opens doors for many fields. It may be complicated, difficult to master or even time-consuming to learn, however the benefits of using the application easily outweigh the costs.

Week 4: Computer Literacy

Being able to use a computer is one thing. Being able to understand actions on a computer is a completely different thing all together. As defined in the lecture, “Information Literacy is a transformational process in which the learner needs to find, understand, evaluate, and use information in various forms to create for personal, social or global purposes. (Abilock, 2004).” Information Literacy is vital to everyday computer use. It includes processes such as reading a web address and understanding its components, being able to decide whether content available online is from a legitimate source, and dating Web sites and their history verification.

This link is to a Quiz on Computer Literacy.

This quiz is from a class at the University of Oregon, and I felt it was relevant a it demonstrates all sorts of knowledge about computer literacy. Computer literacy is a very vast concept, and people have to make a conscious effort to become more "computer literate" whether that involves personal research, taking an advanced class, etc. This quiz represents a small fragment of computer literacy needs.

As a Public Relations major, this subject applies to my work very much. Understanding the parts of the computer and Internet which a consumer uses is vital to using it most efficiently. An example would be of Web site verification. For instance, say a press conference was being held by a client, and the PR spokesperson did not verify the source of the information a “press agent” listed at the conference. Not verifying the legitimacy of one’s information is very damaging, especially if you trust that information as a resource useable in your presentations.

Week 3: Web 2.0 Applications

Web 2.0 Applications involve using the Internet and Web sites as an outlet for collaborative work on either professional or recreational activities, usually involving multimedia development and tools. As explained in the online lesson and Wikipedia site (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_2.0), there is commonly an element of design around which users work together to develop, discuss or comment on, share, etc. Video development, blogging, using social networking, or even creating a website all could be common examples of technologies used in Web 2.0 applications. There is generally a form of interaction implied with Web 2.0 technologies and sites. An example which I posted about in the class forum is the “Family Connections” site which allows entire families to set up an account and create a format based on the content they would like to share with each other, whether it is a recipe list or a birthday calendar, or pictures. Web 2.0 applications such as these allow communication in a comfortable setting which can generally be controlled by the users.

VoiceThread is another very good example of a Web 2.0 tool. It is a media tool in which voice is a main component. A vocal recording and/or image animation can be created in storyboard fashion in which a group discussion may begin surrounding a media presentation.

Please view the tutorial called “What is a Voice Thread anyway?”

I chose this tutorial because it explains the concept of a VoiceThread, a popular Web 2.0 tool, through demonstrations. The group members are in icon form surrounding an image or video. As the “discussion” continues, each group member may edit an image or communicate with other group members through a series of functions. According to the tutorial on VoiceThread.com these functions may include a voice recording by telephone, microphone, webcam, text, or file upload. The Voice Threads are very easy to edit.

Web 2.0 Applications are a vital part of my major. Public Relations is a study that relies on constant communication with clients and stakeholders. This means that agencies take advantage of every available communication technology and make sure that they are an expert. Updates of client statuses and situations, crisis management, and news releases all rely on quick and efficient communication by Public Relations professionals, which is made easier through Web 2.0 applications. Twitter, is a fine example of this.

Week 2: Using a Mac

Using a Mac computer and software is almost a necessity in today’s fast-paced society. With the common comparisons of Mac computers to PCs, it seems very efficient to know both systems, which is something this class tries to encourage students to do. As explained in the tutorials in class and the Apple Wikipedia page (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_Inc.), Mac Operating Systems differ from traditional PC Operating Systems in a variety of ways. Both systems may use the same software applications, yet the main differences between Mac and PC systems are the brand name, expense, the actual technology behind the Mac and its Operating Systems. As discussed in the Apple/Mac sections of the coursework, the internal design of the Mac hardware and CPU system technology is very different from any other computer, as Mac computers tend to be uniquely designed inside and out. Due to the popularity of other Apple products such as the iPod and iPhone, many consumers find it easier to synchronize information of like technologies with a Mac computer.


Software Downloads:
Top Ten Programs To Download On A Mac

This video, “Top Ten Programs to Download on a Mac” is from VideoJug.com. It was created to list and describe useful or seemingly vital software applications for Mac computers. These programs listed each have common uses and have advantages of being used on a Mac versus other programs, as explained in the video.

Being able to use a Mac and the software that runs on it is very important for anyone in today’s technologically thriving society. As a Public Relations major, however, it is very important to be able to use as many computer applications as possible, especially multimedia and communication applications. The more information a Public Relations professional has about technology, the better of he or she will be. The field requires vast knowledge of computers, but the use of certain computer programs commonly found only on Mac operating systems are very popular worldwide, making them valuable PR tools. Knowing how to operate both a Mac Operating System and computer are just as important as knowing how to use any other computer and operating system.

Learning about the Creative Commons

Creative Commons is a form of licensing in which people are given the opportunity to change the copyright status of their creative works in order to share their works with others. This may allow others to use those works to create a new work of some sort.
The following video created by the Creative Commons is from YouTube.



As the vast stream of technology continues to grow, our information is being exposed to a global platform on the Internet. Overseas, people can see this blog. For this very reason, Creative Commons was established to help protect people's art, music, videos, etc. through a licensing program which allows sharing for others with specifications as to how the works may be used. However, this depends on the creator's copyright changes and preferences. The basis of the idea is to "create art together" or to let the content bring the communities together.



"Access and control" is a powerful theme of creative commons mentioned in the video. It demonstrates how there is global access to almost everything on the Internet, and there must be some sort of control for the creators of works. Usage must be regualted, but not too restricted that censorship is entailed. Copyrights are stricter than the Creative Commons licensing, but "Fair Use" of a copyrighted work at least allots use for materials for the purpose of education. Still, Creative Commons allows people to "create art together". It is a global force that inspires creativity and learning of differnt cultures through art experiences.



As a Pre-Law student, the entire process of copyright law and the other forms of self-regulation such as Creative Commons truly interest me. The whole though that there is an entire organization developed to regulate sharing and encourage it is truly inspiring. As a Public Relations major, this is very interesting as we commonly discuss copyright and "fair use". In PR, the Creative Commons could become a powerful pitch for say and ad campaign. This video is very attention-grabbing and would make for a powerful campaign or promotion.