Journal 7: Professional Learning Network

With the Professional learning network I am able to talk to individuals in my field (film) and also be able to stay up to date on the latest topics. for example I remember learning about China's influence on a lot of American movies and how the Chinese film industry is very particular on how many foreign movies come in. They only allow 34 movies per year to come into China. It is extremely interesting and quite limiting in my opinion but it was great to know since I will be going into the field. Twitter has allowed me to link my findings to other threads. It also keeps me connected with individuals and their thoughts. I hope to get comments or re tweets later when utilizing the twitter feed more often.

Education can build from this because It is a great way to use the best technology and more current topics to engage students and the audience. I hope to continue utilizing this so that when i create I will be sure to cater to my viewers and to provide content that will inform. 

Journal 6: Self Reflection

I felt that the book exercises were an extreme help for me. I was about to not only use what we learned in class but also take the time at home to dissect what each chapter has to say about html and css. I honestly have been so interested in learning these skills that I have heavenly contemplated studying web development down the line in further detail. I can honestly say that I have a basic (working) knowledge of html and can successful create an informative and educational webpage (although teaching is not my profession I still educate and use film to teach). I would imagine the skills that I have learned in this class to be helpful when I plan to make interactive webpages for the films or networks that I create. I think about Disney, Nickelodeon and ABC kids as a great example of intertwining education and film together. Multimedia is seen in the film industry in many different ways and I hope to utilize it in a way that combines my film talents with education. 

Hardest Assignment: 

Note- for some reason I always have trouble with images and the connections between them and the correct files. 

http://www.cpp.edu/~brseamster/512/hw2/15_3-15_4.html

Rewarding Assignment: 

Note- I had a client that was looking for a site that will promote health and beauty-- a healthy lifestyle website that she could use later down the line. I was extremley proud of my work and she loved it. 

http://www.cpp.edu/~brseamster/512/slay/home.html

Journal 5: Twitter

Twitter is a place to receive instant feed back and quickly become knowledgeable on any industries hot topics. I follow such Twitter accounts as The Industry LA, Women Film Directors, Women Screenwriters, and LA Screenwriter to be extremely beneficial in my quest to become an educated film director. I plan to utilize these tools to stay on top of my craft. I think that Twitter is a great way to stay connected, no matter what industry you are apart of. The use of hashtags and the use of retweeting can generate conversation that can solve prevalent problems. For my profession I have found it helpful that I can stay on track with the latest news about up and coming directors and their accomplishments. This allows me to have people to look up to in the industry. When I learn more about them and from them I am able to advance in my own projects.

Do you believe that Twitter can be helpful in the realm of the youth?

Yes, I think that Twitter can allow kids, teens and even adults to learn new things and to stay connected. If the users are not only focused on getting the most likes and only focusing on what people say about them it can be less of a learning too and more off a popularity contest.

How can Twitter be better?

I believe that twitter should allow its users to customize their profiles more. I think that has a lot to do with the creativity.

Journal 4: Project Plan (working post)

Site title(s):
Black Presence in Europe (14th century)
European Black Diaspora in 14th century

Developer:

Brianna Seamster

Rational or focus:

Exploring the controversies and misconceptions about the presence of individuals of color in the 14th century. Also, exploring the royal positions that they held in this time period. The visitors will understand and want to further discover the roles of people of color in Europe in the 14th century. They will know that the roles that they played were not of slaves or servant, but of royalty. This site will shine a light on these individuals that were once left in the dark and forgotten about.

Main features outline:

• Conspiracies
• Important figures Biographies
• Visuals (images, video documentaries etc.)
• Resources
• Maps

Content: 

Number of individual Web pages. Brainstorm subtopics for your site. Have a concise outline of the information your site will contain.

Target audience: 

Historians or Individuals searching for more info on their background

Design considerations

List the design goals for the site.

Limiting factors 

List the technical or audience factors that could limit the design goals of the site.

Journal 3: Benefits of Social Media

Klopfer, E. (2009). The Instructional Power of Digital Games, Social Networking, Simulations and how Teachers Can Leverage Them. Retrieved October 14, 2016, from http://education.mit.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/GamesSimsSocNets_EdArcade.pdf

Although teaching is not my profession, I am very eager to appear to the younger crowd. The entertainment industry tries to appeal to the trends of the youth. I don't think that the technologies of today, that work toward creating great social media platforms that allow for growth and connections. Aside from just one group, it is said that, "The fact is, you can be 17, 35, or 60, and when you begin to engage with them and observe what’s really going on, you can begin to see that these technologies are more than just entertainment." I like that the article touched on the message that anyone can find the benefits of media. For example, the technologies allow us to connect with people and share ideas. This can help with many problems today. Sharing and commenting on new ideas, and issues can bring about conversation to eventually solve problems of today.

Do you think that film can have the same impact as gaming software?

I believe that the film industry has the ability to reach individuals in a similar way. Also, the film industry is capable of merging with any industry. The merger of film and gaming is the ability to merge with all types of subjects and reach many people.

How can gaming software and social media be incorporated in the film industry?

Aside from animated films, all types of film can be linked to film. For example companies like Nickelodeon and Disney tend to connect their projects with multimedia platforms. The media platforms allow for the audience to interact with the projects in a way that teaches, informs and builds creativity.

Journal 2: Join an Affinity Group and Share your Digg Stream

My Digg stream consists of Film School Rejects, Creative Applications and Hollywood Report (among others). My journey in pursuing an occupation in the film industry has met many challenges but being able to see the reviews and feedback of the industry experts is very beneficial. Another Dig stream I follow is Hover States. This stream allows me to explore the new advances in "alternative digital design". Digg Streams are beneficial for my growth but another outlet are affinity groups. Although I am apart of many affinity groups on Facebook, one that pertains to my specific career interests is Black Filmmakers. This community allows me to share and connect with individuals of color also interested in film/entertainment industry in some way.

Why did you join the Black Filmmakers affinity group? Why not a general Film Group?
I Joined the Black Filmmakers Facebook group because, unfortunately, there are few people of color in high positions within the film and media industry. I long to see others that are going through similar struggles in the industry as I do. This encourages me to continue and to ask for guidance if ever needed.

How do you plan to use Digg when you are out of the program?
I plan to stay updated on the media programs that I use, whether it is Adobe, web design platforms or others. I want to stay tech savvy and stay on top of my craft (or even ahead of my craft). To do this I must read a lot and STAY CONNECTED.

Journal 1: Chapter 1-3

Overall, these chapters acknowledged the different duties that a web designer has. Although, not all of them will be used, it is a great asset to learn them all. For example, using JavaScript is not a vital duty of a web designer. Programmers are often hired to take care of the scripting needs. It is good to know your interests in the field and slowly work toward learning as much as possible. The chapters gave examples of software and hardware to invest in. It is said that “[n]o company owns the Internet…”. Each website gets a domain name (for websites) which is how everyone will refer to the server. A computer  however holds an IP address that helps to identify its software.

How will learning a majority of the elements of multimedia design help me?

I will be able to create my own multimedia platforms for my film and production projects. I do believe it is better to know many different aspects of your industry/ field so that you will be able to lead and to be more innovative or independent.

What will you do to achieve your short term and long term goals with Multimedia design?

Currently, I plan on asking plenty of questions. I am a visual learner (which is ultimately why I chose this Masters program) so i believe that I will do well with reading the materials and watching videos about other people’s journey in the industry and their link to educational multimedia design to help inspire and guide me.