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.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
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.
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.
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