Assignments

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- Additional Detail and Assessment Criteria Coming Soon -

Screencast/Tutorial (multiple tools) - 10%
//__Overview__: You will create a tutorial with visuals and voiceover that assists an audience in performing some task (academic, technical, or other) and make it accessible/shared online.// //__Details__://
 * 1) Decide on the topics you would like to create tutorials for. You **MUST** use **Jing** for one of them.
 * **Jing** screencasts are uploaded to and hosted on http://www.screencast.com and embedded on your wiki page. Jing (free version) has a 5 minute limit, so if your screencast needs to be longer than that, do it in 2 parts.
 * **Screencast-o-matic** screencasts can be saved and uploaded to your Wiki page (20 MB limit) or uploaded to YouTube and embedded on your wiki page.
 * **ScreenCastle** screencasts generates embed code that you can embed on your wiki page. Also link to it.
 * **ScreenJelly** has a 3 minute limit. It gives no embed option, so you will have to link to your screencast from your wiki page. In order to make this more visual, include a screenshot of your ScreenJelly screencast to display on your wiki page.
 * **Screenr** has a 5 minute limit. You can download it and insert it on your wikispaces page (20 MB limit), embed it using the code that Screenr gives you, or upload it to YouTube and embed it with the YouTube embed code.
 * **QuickTime X** screencasts (Mac only) will need to be uploaded to YouTube and embedded on your wiki page. Be aware of the file size limitation of YouTube, as QT X can create very large source files.
 * **SmartNotebook** recorder screencasts can be uploaded to YouTube and embedded on your wiki page or uploaded/inserted directly on your wiki page if less than 20 MB.
 * **PowerPoint** movie screencast will be uploaded to your wikispaces and inserted on your page (20 MB upload limit). Alternatively, you can upload it to YouTube and embed it on your page. Click here for a screencast on how to do this.
 * **GarageBand/iMovie/Windows Movie Maker**... - You can create your screenshots and then bring them in to any video/slide editing software to add the voice over track. Export the video file and upload/share it on YouTube. Embed it on your wiki page.
 * 1) You will create a wiki page on your own wiki with the links to all of your screencasts. Create a new page and call it Screencasts.
 * Whenever possible, embed your projects right on your wiki pages. Link to them as secondary ways to access them. If the service you use does not give you embed code as a way to share (most do), take a screenshot of your project and insert that on your page as a visual as you describe it.
 * Always contextualize your projects. Describe **why** you made them (who's your audience and what was your intended goal?), **how** you made them, issues related to making them (problems, alternatives,...), and any other related information that would be useful for someone who is viewing your projects.
 * - DUE DATES **: Have 2 screencasts done by next class (Jan. 25). Have the final two done by Feb. 1.
 * - How Will I Be Evaluated?**: click [|ScreencastEval.pdf]

** Slideshow (iPhoto & online tools) ** - 5%
//Details: You will use iPhoto and various other online tools to create and share slideshows.//


 * 1) **Create** a slideshow with **iPhoto** on a topic that is meaningful to you. The show must contain the following elements:
 * Photos (sorry to state the obvious)
 * Background audio //(music or voiceover... if music, must not infringe on copyright, as the project will be online. Even stock iLife music can be credited. Use the Audio Search tools on the tools wiki page to find music that you can use. Click// [|//here//] //to view a screencast of how to find and import an .mp3 file into iTunes so that you can access it when in iPhoto.//
 * //Photo titles (not required on all... just need to demonstrate you know how to add them)//
 * [|Export your slideshow] as a QuickTime movie
 * Upload your movie to your [|YouTube] account //([|click here for a screencast] on how to do this).// If the final exported file is <20 MB, you could upload it directly to your wiki.
 * Contextualize it, embed it, and share the link to your slideshow on YouTube. //[|Click here for a screencast] on how to embed it from YouTube on your wiki page//.
 * 1) **Create** a slideshow with one (1) other online slideshow tool from the list (Animoto or [|PhotoPeach]). Contextualize it, embed it, and share the link to that slideshow on a new wiki page named Slideshows
 * 2) **Create** a slideshow with Flickr. Remember to create a new set for the images. Give your photos proper titles and descriptions. Enable "view title & descriptions" in the options. Contextualize it, embed it, and share the link to your slideshow.
 * 3) **Create** a slideshow on VoiceThread. This one can be uniquely different, as you will include the following elements:
 * Your voiceover narration
 * Mouse-drawn annotations where appropriate
 * Fewer pictures can be used here (~10). Instead, think of how you can discuss key ideas behind the photos, documents, or screenshots. Keep it instructional in nature. Think about how you can solicit others to comment on the slides as well //(ie. ask questions)//. Look at a number of examples to give you ideas.
 * Optional: Video commentary on one picture //(need a webcam for this... can be done in GAC60 if you don't)//
 * Contextualize it, embed it, and link to your VoiceThread on your new Slideshows page. Keep it **public** so that all Voicethread members can view it.


 * - DUE DATE **: **February 8**
 * - How Will I Be Evaluated?**: [|slideshows.pdf]

** Digital Story (iMovie)** - 10%
//Details: You will tell a unique story that has personal meaning and relevance to you. Using iMovie, you will apply the principles of digital storytelling to tell a compelling story.// __**Guidelines**__**:**
 * Decide on the type of digital story that you will tell (based on readings and class information on story types). It can be either of a personal nature or curriculum-based. //(Think down the road and create something that will have value to you professionally.)//
 * Your digital story will use photos, video, your voice narration, music and other purposeful iMovie editing effects. **Video** can be minimal, but **must still be used** in a purposeful manner.
 * You will need to collect relevant resources. Photos can be your own or ones you find online by using the various photo search tools listed on the resources page. Be sure to be using photos that have a Creative Commons license that works. Keep track of your photo sources, as you will have a credits portion at the end of your digital story. The same applies to any music that you use.
 * You will need to import your photos into iPhoto and your music into iTunes so that you have easy access to both from iMovie.
 * The final production should not be somewhere between 3-5 minutes in length.
 * Make sure you have a device large enough that allows you to save your iMovie files. Otherwise, when you come into the lab to work and someone else is at your usual workstation (if you saved it on the Data HD drive on the desktop), you can simply pick another computer to work at... or work in the other mac lab. It is also highly suggested that you make a duplicate backup of your project ever time you finish working for the day.
 * Plan ahead so that you have access to a digital video camera. You can check one out from the Library media services //(call ahead first to [[image:http://www.freefoto.com/images/9908/02/9908_02_10---Mini-DV-Digital-Video-Tape_web.jpg width="119" height="73" align="left"]]make sure some are available and that the center is open)// or make arrangements with me. You may have to purchase your[[image:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b7/I-Link.jpg width="79" height="70" align="right"]]own [|miniDV tape] if you you use a library camera or if you want to keep your footage. If you plan to use your own video camera, be sure that it has a firewire interface by identifying a port that is labeled "DV" or "iLink" (Sony)[[image:http://www.network-accessories.com/cgi-bin/images/firewire46.jpg width="80" height="48" align="right"]]


 * - DUE DATE **: **February 15 in class on a new wiki page titled "Digital Story" and uploaded to YouTube. Be sure to add textual context to your project on the wiki page. Also, be sure to credit properly all of your media sources (with CC licenses)** Click [|here] for a screencast on how to export or "share" your iMovie to QuickTime format
 * - How Will I Be Evaluated? **: [|DigiStory.pdf] and [|DigiStory_Technical.pdf]

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Original Music Soundtrack (GarageBand) **- 5%**
__//Details//__//: You will create an original soundtrack in GarageBand that can be used in a multimedia project. Although music can be found online and freely used in multimedia projects, creating something original is another highly valuable alternative in the construction of an original project. GarageBand makes this very easy.//

//__**Part 1:**__// //__**Part 2:**__//
 * Create an original musical soundtrack using GarageBand's instrument loops in a given key
 * Use at least 4 tracks (ie. keyboards, drums, bass, percussion...)
 * Length: ~ 30 seconds
 * What to turn in:
 * Original GarageBand file
 * Soundtrack exported ("shared") as a .4ma file, imported to iTunes, and exported as an .mp3 (Handout: [|iTunesMP3Convert.pdf])
 * Upload/Embed the .mp3 file on your wiki page and add a project description ([|How-To Screencast])
 * Choose a selection of music from the "Podcast Jingles" library //(don't choose any variation shorter than 30 seconds)//
 * Soundtrack exported ("shared") as a .4ma file, imported to iTunes, and exported as an .mp3 (Handout: [|iTunesMP3Convert.pdf])
 * Upload/Embed the .mp3 file on your wiki page and add a project description ([|How-To Screencast])



Podcast (GarageBand) **- 10%**
__//Details//__//: You will create a podcast with audio effects and visuals that can serve as a form of public service announcement for those in the field of K-12 education. The focus may be a particular teaching innovation, teaching strategy, learning tool, or educational issue (assessment, equity, inclusion, curriculum,...). The purpose is to inform your audience and contribute to the knowledge pool surrounding your topic. You will need to://
 * 1) Choose and research a topic of interest and relevance (a bibliography of sources is required to be submitted in paper format)
 * 2) Prepare a script of about 3-5 minutes in length (your script is required to be submitted in paper format)
 * 3) Choose representative images (for enhanced podcast)
 * 4) Record/edit your narrative in GarageBand
 * 5) Add representative images to the podcast track that correspond with your narrative (choose one to be your podcast episode cover/episode artwork). Images work best if they are square and no smaller than 300 X 300 pixels.
 * 6) Add logical chapter markers (for enhanced podcast)
 * 7) Choose introductory jingle and closing jingle (any other audio effects/sounds are your choice to include or not. Just be tasteful and keep the tone professional.)
 * 8) Share your polished podcast to disk (click here for a screencast on the export/share process)
 * 9) Upload your exported .m4a file to YouTube (add necessary description/info there. If YouTube is not accepting the .m4a file, let me know ASAP.)
 * 10) Embed the YouTube file on your wiki page. As promised, [|here is a screencas]t on how to get it to display at the correct size.
 * 11) Also upload and insert the actual .m4a file onto your wiki page (so that chapter markers and other enhancements will function - must be < 20 MB for Wikispaces) If it is larger than 20 MB, try exporting/sharing by adjusting these features:[|GBfilesize.jpg]
 * 12) Also export (share) your podcast as an .mp3 file and upload/insert that on your wiki page.
 * 13) Add a description of your podcast episode to your wiki page (similar to an abstract) and other contextual project information.
 * 14) Add your script and references to your wiki page for viewing/download. To do this, convert the documents to PDF files. Then, upload/insert them onto your wiki page.
 * On a Mac, you can print any file to PDF format.
 * For Windows users, if you don't know how to convert files to PDF documents, using Online-Convert document conversion may be the quickest and easiest way to get this done.


 * GarageBand tutorials/support documentation here.**

- **DUE DATE** **: March 22** in class: uploaded to YouTube and embedded on your wiki page. MP3 version uploaded/inserted on your page. Turn printed copy of your script and references. - How Will I Be Evaluated? : [|PodcastEval.pdf]

**Interactive PowerPoint** - 10%
//**Task**//**//: You will use PowerPoint to create an interactive, media-rich learning experience for a given audience.//**


 * __Details__:** You will recreate a learning experience (an animated story is an idea) on a series of PowerPoint slides that can be advanced manually by the viewer. Your interactive story must contain the following elements:
 * 1) Voice narration (linked external recordings, not embedded with PowerPoint's recording tool). Must use .wav files if you want to pick them from "action settings" menu. Otherwise, .mp3 is the most universal.
 * 2) Images (following fair use guidelines - do not scan book pages)
 * 3) Video (check for compatibility - inserted on the slides, requiring no Internet access to view them)
 * 4) Non-linear navigation (comprehension questions, purposeful, customized feedback, choices, enrichment, support, hints, vocabulary,....)
 * 5) Advanced animation to control and sequence choice, events, actions. Purposeful, not simply "cool".
 * 6) __ Some kind of record-keeping sheet __ for students to write on as evidence of processing the information. Study guide style often works best, along with graphic organizer, short written responses, matching, fill in blank,... and such.
 * 7) __On SLIDE #1 (or the last slide), provide the educational context__ (subject, grade, overview, goals & objectives, NY standards)
 * 8) Optional: Music (.mp3 or .wav best for compatibility)
 * 9) Create a new wiki page for this project. __Minimally__, add needed context //(overview, purpose, process...)// and at least one meaningful screenshot of the best representative slide... Even better, create a number of representative screenshots and sequence them in a way that you can present them. You could use a Google presentation, a Slideshare presentation, or any other available tool that would allow you to embed the visuals on this page. You could even use a tool like iSpring (free version - Windows only) to web-enable your PowerPoint project. Or, you could set up a free account for Present.me to narrate/present your screenshots or slides and explain your project as you do

//**Tips**// //(see handout from class on compatibility issues to consider)//:
 * //create a presentation project folder and save empty PPT file in it before working.//
 * //save all media into this presentation folder BEFORE inserting them onto your slides//
 * //rename downloaded media using proper file name conventions before using it.//
 * //use standard fonts. Use standard file names (short, no spaces, no symbols,...)//
 * //Protect your slides from accidental clicking so non-linear navigation is not by-passed (see handout on this).//
 * //Manually "Insert" all images; don't copy/paste them or drag them from browser or desktop onto slides. This will cause your Apple/Mac version to display NO images when opened up with PowerPoint in Windows//
 * //There are no guarantees about how your presentation will work on a different version or operating system, so follow all guidelines for this and try it prior to when you actually need it so that you have time to fix or work around any surprise issues.) If you have been conscientious about saving all of your media to your project folder first and use media formats that work both on Windows and Mac, then you will minimize most compatibility issues. The only major caveat here is that an older version of software will NEVER be able to open up a file made with a newer version of the software. However, newer versions of MS Office ALWAYS give you the option of saving as older versions.//




 * Here is the [revised] visual organizer I made and gave out in class: [|PPTProjectVisual.pdf]**

**Click for project rubric:** [|InteractivePPT.pdf]

- **DUE DATE** **: April 4 -** //I'll collect your project folder and printed student record keeping sheet(s)//



**Virtual Tour (VRWorx)** -5%

 * *Updated to 5% **
 * //Details: You will use the VRWorx software to create a 360-degree virtual tour.//**

Goal: You and a partner will create an interactive QuickTime VR tour of some space on campus. You will need to:
 * map out your virtual tour that links together three panoramic nodes
 * take photos at each of the 3 planned nodes
 * Use VRWorx to stitch together the 3 panoramic nodes. Export each of the nodes to be inserted on your wiki page.
 * Use VRWorx to connect those 3 panoramic nodes into a multi-node scene so that the user can travel from one node to the other within the single QTVR file. Export the multi-node scene to be inserted on your wiki page
 * Upload/insert the 3 exported panoramic nodes to a new wiki page titled appropriately.
 * Upload/insert the final exported interconnected final multi-node scene to the wiki page.
 * Add a description of the project to the wiki page.

Project Wiki - 5%
This will be a cumulative grade for all of your wiki-enabled projects. For full credit, your wiki needs to be....
 * Complete (all required pages and content are present)
 * Professional (use of language, verbiage, font, layout, graphics,....)

**DVD Mastering (iDVD)** - 10%**
//Details: You will use iDVD to master a DVD with themes, chapters, and music that contains all burnable projects from this course.// There will be a few that cannot be mastered in DVD format. For these files, you will add them to a data folder on the DVD.

Final Project - 20%
//Details: Together, we will negotiate a final project that demonstrates all that you have learned as a result of this course. It should include multiple technologies that allow you to share your skills and ideas with multiple forms of media. Click on [|FinalProject.pdf] to download the project details and the project proposal to be completed and turned in ahead of time.//


 * The purpose of this final project is to create a multimedia-rich and diverse learning experience for a target group of students. This learning experience is to be engineered so that students are learning independent of the traditional role of the teacher. The teacher in this context will be a facilitator of student learning (monitoring, informally assessing, assisting, conferencing, probing, encouraging, challenging,...) ||
 * You will create two (2) entry points to the learning:** //(using a Wiki or Google Site)//
 * 1) One will be for the ** students ** - to access the learning activities
 * 2) The other will be for ** teachers ** - to explain/list the grade/content area, purpose, goals & objectives, state standards, timeline, operational logistics, assessment, media credits, and any other information which will demonstrate your awareness of all that is involved in creating a successful learning experience for students. You do **NOT** have to create and make available student assessment instruments, but you **DO** have to describe in general terms how you will approach student assessment on the Teachers' page and for the students themselves. You also **MUST** allow for students to create learning artifacts somewhere in this that capitalize on your understanding of and their ability to use multimedia tools.


 * Below are some procedural and content things to consider.**
 * Host your final project on a wiki or series of wiki pages. Alternatively, you can host your project on Google Sites if you wish.
 * Pay attention to design (color, images, font, font size, layout,...) so that it matches the developmental abilities of your intended audience.
 * Be sure to host/embed/make available all media that your audience will need. There is a limit to individual file uploads for free educator accounts (make sure you have one) of 20 Mb per file.
 * Make available for download any accompanying documents, including, but not limited to:
 * student worksheets/record keeping sheets
 * PowerPoint files... or any other files students might need (zip the entire folder if there is accompanying media)
 * Permission letters
 * instructions
 * handouts
 * If there are any unique differences in those files for Windows and PC users, be sure to make respective versions/file types available for all audiences.
 * Be sure to credit all sources used toward the completion of the final project, including videos, images, music, or any other form of media used that you did not create in entirety.

Click [|FinalProject.pdf] to view and print the final project rubric.

You will present your final project on the last day of class. This will involve 5-10 minutes of giving us an overview of what you have created, how it would be used/implemented/assessed, any considerations or issues important to think about, and field questions from your peers or myself.