If I could learn anything related to technology, it would be graphic design. When I first thought about switching to a technology-related major, it was from a desire to design websites- which I am teaching myself- and make pretty things- I haven't had as much success at that.
I have always liked art, but I lack the ability to draw a straight line (or much else). I love using bright colors, playing until you get the final result- something beautiful. Since I can talk to computers, I hoped I could combine this passion with skill, and make art in a new way.
I have had some success with making videos- combining favorite scenes in a new way and setting them to music. It usually takes me a long time (I am something of a perfectionist) but I end up with a result I am proud of.
But more practical art, like editing pictures, eludes me. I can crop, resize, and take redeye out- that's about it. I can't make a totally new product with text and colors, like others can. I want to make pretty pictures to put on my websites!
I'm not sure if it requires an innate art talent that I do not possess, more technical knowledge that I haven't acquired, or both. I wish I could take some specialized classes in this, but my degree program doesn't cater to that, and I don't have time for electives.
Still, maybe one day I will manage to teach myself...
Monday, April 27, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
U-Blog 5
In my Intro to TSTM class, we're building computers. I've done a lot on computers, but never in them. I'm enjoying learning how.
We have put all the pieces together- motherboard, processor, DVD player- and powered it up. Now we are working on installing Windows XP, drivers, etc. Soon we will take off Windows XP and install Linux.
It seems amazing to me that something I did can run and do familiar things. The knowledge I am acquiring is useful in many situations- such as using msconfig to (attempt to) remove a virus from a colleague's computer.
We have put all the pieces together- motherboard, processor, DVD player- and powered it up. Now we are working on installing Windows XP, drivers, etc. Soon we will take off Windows XP and install Linux.
It seems amazing to me that something I did can run and do familiar things. The knowledge I am acquiring is useful in many situations- such as using msconfig to (attempt to) remove a virus from a colleague's computer.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
U-Blog 4
Operating Systems
I have always been a Windows person, by default more than anything. The computers I've used at work and school run Windows, and the two I have bought for myself have been Windows. I know how to use it and saw no real reason to change.
But I will need a new laptop soon...and I don't want Windows this time. Why? I refuse to use Vista- maybe it's improved, but it was rolled out too soon, and has so many bugs and kinks in it. Windows XP requires constant updates and is easily attacked by viruses. Users don't control it, a big company does.
Linux is attractive because it is open-source- a community of users builds it and improves on it. It appeals to the hacker in me. The desktop computer I am building in another TSTM class will have Linux.
However, if I buy a pre-built computer, it will have an OS. I'm thinking Mac- as it seems to be stable and well-regarded- and then dual-boot it with Linux.
I have always been a Windows person, by default more than anything. The computers I've used at work and school run Windows, and the two I have bought for myself have been Windows. I know how to use it and saw no real reason to change.
But I will need a new laptop soon...and I don't want Windows this time. Why? I refuse to use Vista- maybe it's improved, but it was rolled out too soon, and has so many bugs and kinks in it. Windows XP requires constant updates and is easily attacked by viruses. Users don't control it, a big company does.
Linux is attractive because it is open-source- a community of users builds it and improves on it. It appeals to the hacker in me. The desktop computer I am building in another TSTM class will have Linux.
However, if I buy a pre-built computer, it will have an OS. I'm thinking Mac- as it seems to be stable and well-regarded- and then dual-boot it with Linux.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
U-Blog 3
On the Felder-Silverman model, I come out as equally balanced between active and reflective, sensing and intuitive, sequential and global. The only exception to this rule of equal balance is that I lean very strongly towards verbal, as opposed to visual.
This makes sense to me, as I enjoy reading and am skilled at writing. I struggle at reading maps and drawing. I suppose I talk a lot too!
On the Learning Styles Inventory, which I'm guessing is a variation of the Multiple Intelligence, I scored most strongly on Solitary, followed by Verbal and Aural (hearing). So, I prefer to work alone, use words, and hear things.
I do prefer to study alone. In a work enviornment I enjoy being a leader. I have an active social life, but I also like to spend time alone- reading and writing, being verbal. I take notes in class, and I study by copying them over. I live for music; I'm a singer and I always have music playing in my car, at home, walking to class.
So I guess there *is* something to these learning styles. I'm still not convinced they can solve all my learning issues though.
This makes sense to me, as I enjoy reading and am skilled at writing. I struggle at reading maps and drawing. I suppose I talk a lot too!
On the Learning Styles Inventory, which I'm guessing is a variation of the Multiple Intelligence, I scored most strongly on Solitary, followed by Verbal and Aural (hearing). So, I prefer to work alone, use words, and hear things.
I do prefer to study alone. In a work enviornment I enjoy being a leader. I have an active social life, but I also like to spend time alone- reading and writing, being verbal. I take notes in class, and I study by copying them over. I live for music; I'm a singer and I always have music playing in my car, at home, walking to class.
So I guess there *is* something to these learning styles. I'm still not convinced they can solve all my learning issues though.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
U-Blog 2
The Lowman Home Project was started just last year by a student team taking TSTM 564. The concept of the project is to provide computer and Internet training to senior citizens at the Lowman Home. TSTM 444 students helped initially as part of their training observations. This semester, teams of TSTM 444 students will plan and present one of the workshops.
This brings up something I've been thinking about, and touched on a bit previously: how to teach those who don't get the Internet intuitively.
I can pick up a computer, and usually, I can make it do what I want to. I learned Web 2.0 techniques basically effortlessly- blogging, twittering, Facebooking, and more. I incorporated them into my last job without need for training.
I wouldn't say I find it hard to teach those who don't 'get it' as easily as I do. I can show them how to do things. But sometimes I get frustrated when they don't get it, because it seems so obvious to me.
I'm not sure what would be helpful: remembering that my generation grew up with this, and others didn't. I would like to understand why it is so hard.
I guess an analogy would be when my grandfather tries to explain how a car engine works to me, and I draw a total blank. Then I try to explain his cell phone settings to him and he draws a blank. Different strengths for different people, even, different generations?
This brings up something I've been thinking about, and touched on a bit previously: how to teach those who don't get the Internet intuitively.
I can pick up a computer, and usually, I can make it do what I want to. I learned Web 2.0 techniques basically effortlessly- blogging, twittering, Facebooking, and more. I incorporated them into my last job without need for training.
I wouldn't say I find it hard to teach those who don't 'get it' as easily as I do. I can show them how to do things. But sometimes I get frustrated when they don't get it, because it seems so obvious to me.
I'm not sure what would be helpful: remembering that my generation grew up with this, and others didn't. I would like to understand why it is so hard.
I guess an analogy would be when my grandfather tries to explain how a car engine works to me, and I draw a total blank. Then I try to explain his cell phone settings to him and he draws a blank. Different strengths for different people, even, different generations?
Friday, January 30, 2009
U-Blog 1
I enjoyed this week's readings, rather surprisingly.
The first thing that struck me about Adult Learning and the Internet was that the article was ten years old. The principles of Internet novices needing to acquire new motor and perceptual skills remain true. However, the "skillful Internet user" now needs to navigate social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter; employ blogs as a source of news and social networking; find music, music, movies, and books legally and in high-definition; is now connecting through high-speed or Wi-Fi rather than dial-up. This article is dated and is of limited use.
That being said, I did find it useful in explaining exactly how those new to the Internet and computing in general picked up the necessary skills. They come intuitively to me, and I find it hard to explain how I do things to those who are not as intuitive.
In an example of the advent of social networking, I tweeted that I found this article interesting. One of my followers, a professor, replied that this was his area of study. I did some additional research and found the current website of the article's author, which I retwittered to him.
The first thing that struck me about Adult Learning and the Internet was that the article was ten years old. The principles of Internet novices needing to acquire new motor and perceptual skills remain true. However, the "skillful Internet user" now needs to navigate social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter; employ blogs as a source of news and social networking; find music, music, movies, and books legally and in high-definition; is now connecting through high-speed or Wi-Fi rather than dial-up. This article is dated and is of limited use.
That being said, I did find it useful in explaining exactly how those new to the Internet and computing in general picked up the necessary skills. They come intuitively to me, and I find it hard to explain how I do things to those who are not as intuitive.
In an example of the advent of social networking, I tweeted that I found this article interesting. One of my followers, a professor, replied that this was his area of study. I did some additional research and found the current website of the article's author, which I retwittered to him.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Workplace Learning
The selected articles illustrate several trends.
In the first, the new administration speaks to the act that addresses job training, the Workforce Investment Act, and its lack of funding. The Secretary of Labor candidate hopes to address green jobs and the role of community colleges.
An example is given of a Christian JobCorps program in Arkansas, teaching computer, resume, interview, and life skills.
California is seeking to train and subsequently employ gang-involved teenagers (as well as the unemployed) in green jobs.
At the same time, Los Angeles is facing a job loss of up to 164,000.
The Department of Defense offers online security training.
The recession spurs South Carolinians to go back to school.
A sheriff trains deputies on immigration in South Carolina.
Trends in job training: The recession forces companies, individuals, and the government to offer alternative choices; green jobs are growing; the war on terror means security (and its training) is also a growing field.
In the first, the new administration speaks to the act that addresses job training, the Workforce Investment Act, and its lack of funding. The Secretary of Labor candidate hopes to address green jobs and the role of community colleges.
An example is given of a Christian JobCorps program in Arkansas, teaching computer, resume, interview, and life skills.
California is seeking to train and subsequently employ gang-involved teenagers (as well as the unemployed) in green jobs.
At the same time, Los Angeles is facing a job loss of up to 164,000.
The Department of Defense offers online security training.
The recession spurs South Carolinians to go back to school.
A sheriff trains deputies on immigration in South Carolina.
Trends in job training: The recession forces companies, individuals, and the government to offer alternative choices; green jobs are growing; the war on terror means security (and its training) is also a growing field.
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