Aligned with Student Learning Outcomes
SLO6. The student applies appropriate technology for effective information services.
Artifacts
- Digital Storytelling: A two minute promotional video created to bring awareness to the dangers of texting and driving. “Think B4 U Text” http://youtu.be/eZwceJ2UfdU
- Information Kiosk: Interactive Powerpoint Presentation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3iNQsLfAI3wNUhuUlRGMUdOSGc/view?usp=sharing
Reflection
Promotional Video
Process of Creating the Video
It seems nearly everyone from my grandfather to my teenage sister is addicted to their smart phone. With the continuous evolution of technology, everything from the world-wide web to face-to-face calling is now at your fingertips, along with much more. The brainstorming process for this project began with a look at my personal and professional goals. I wanted to create a video that meant something to me personally while addressing a very common issue with today’s culture, specifically teens. Sitting in the living room with my husband, I asked him if he had any ideas for a short informational video. However, he never heard me because he was looking at ESPN on his cell phone. Suddenly, a light went off! I decided to create a humorous video with a serious message related to cell phone use. By connecting the use of cell phones to driving, I would go with an anti-texting and driving theme. Since I am interested in working with the teenage population, I decided I would create a video for them.
After brainstorming, I put my vision into the storyboard. It was extremely helpful for me to have this list prepared with the type of scenes I wanted and my goals of how to set them up with my “actor.” The storyboard also helped me keep track of the various technical shots I needed to film. Next, I experimented with lighting and time of day to get better shots. I ended up filming the same scene two or three times from various angles to allow greater opportunities for editing and perspective. This proved to be the most helpful thing I learned. Apart from a few hard to reach scenes (over the toilet), I relied on the tripod for stability with the majority of shots.
Purpose
The purpose of this video is to create awareness of the importance of driving without distractions. The video depicts a guy on his mobile phone at several points in his day. Many people can relate to the feeling of “needing” to have their devices on hand at all times. However, driving is an activity that demands undivided attention. While many people admit they talk, text, and surf the web while driving, they may not understand the hazards that come with it. Texting is particularly dangerous due to the amount of time it takes your eyes off the road. For this reason, I decided to title the video: “Think B4 U Text.”
Demographics of Audience
I believe this video addresses a universal concern relating to the dangers of distracted driving. While all drivers may benefit from the moral, I believe teenagers are the most vulnerable to distractions. With this in mind, my intended audience for this video is teens. I would have preferred to have teenage actors for the video, but I do not know very many teens that live nearby. To compensate, I tried to create scenarios almost all teenagers could relate to. I also tried to create scenes that could apply to any gender. While few people actually read their mobile device while swimming, I am sure many teens can relate to the constant connection they have with their mobile devices.
Learning Process
By watching the provided tutorials, I learned the technique of arranging separate video shots, trimming, adjusting speed, adding audio and animated effects. The article, Learning Illustrated: Windows Live Movie Maker, helped give me practical tips when applying animation, transitions, and visual effects. The article also helped me gain the desired outcome I was going for. Since I had a serious message, I wanted to interject a small amount of humor to aid in the delivery. By using visual effects and animation, I learned how to create fading transitions, and artistic illusions. I found the storyboard panel in Live Movie Maker to be extremely helpful. I loved that I could copy and paste and switch up the order of my shots to create the sought after results. I enjoyed experimenting with the visual effects, by changing segments from color to black and white, sepia, and cartoon sketch. I also found the music tools helpful when adjusting volume and fading in and out.
Web-based Instructional Project
It is my goal through attaining a Master in Library and Information Studies degree, to work with the young adult population in a library setting. Because of my passion to work with “at-risk” teens, I came up with the idea to create an interactive presentation on Young Adult books and materials. I have titled my kiosk, "Cool Books You WANT to Read" and have provided informative book lists targeting young adults. The books are classified according to genres. I also provided links to my personal book reviews and summaries, vocabulary terms in literature, cyber bullying and safety awareness, blogs, book awards, books in a series, and graphic novels.
Objectives
The main objective of this information kiosk is to increase an awareness of current young adult books that may appeal to high school students who think reading is boring or just a means to an end for required school assignments. Given my target audience, the goal of this informational kiosk is to reach students on a level they find interesting. The images of books are visually stimulating, which hopefully leads students to read the summaries. My second objective is to create an interactive presentation, versatile enough that it can be used in a variety of young adult programs. This would increase my opportunity to put this kiosk to use in the future. I decided to incorporate personal work from previous courses in the LIS program which applied to the theme, adding depth of content matter. I believe this information kiosk could be used in high school, public, and academic libraries.
Lessons Learned on Visual and Media Literacy
This project gave me great hands-on practice working with a plethora of tools in PowerPoint. I had never used hyperlinks nor had I ever created a non-linear presentation with the goal of engaging my targeted audience. I now have greater proficiency and confidence in using PowerPoint to create fun, interactive experiences for my users. In order to reinforce the lessons learned on visual literacy, this project attempted to provide clear connections between visual and verbal images. My goal was to stimulate natural curiosity in order to motivate students to check out a book that they normally would not. I included pictures of book covers in the kiosk in order to attract today’s generation of teens that relies so heavily on visual appeal.
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