Final Learning Unit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

First, I was to do a response to : http://seesmic.com/videos/XVKgMdijmg

My response can be found at the link above.

Secondly, we were to respond to http://voicethread.com/share/124542

My response can be found at the link above.

Next, a survey was filled out at this site:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=YlvabOFt0McxMmGwi0Ui7g_3d_3d

I did so.

Finally, we were to comment the comic stripe at: http://bitstrips.com/read.php?comic_id=42132

My comments can be found there.

Learning Unit 13: Video Animation and Voice Threads

Task #1

For task 1, were were to visit:

• Animoto http://animoto.com/
• Toufee http://www.toufee.com/
  
• Sprout builder http://sproutbuilder.com/

And make videos using each program.

Using animoto, I created a video about mechanical engineering. Here is a link to my video: http://www.freewebs.com/jshust/aminoto.htm

Using toufee, I created another video about mechanical engineering. Here is a link to my video:

http://www.freewebs.com/jshust/toufeemovie.htm

Using sproutbuilder, I created another video. Here is the link:

http://www.freewebs.com/jshust/sproutbuilder.htm

Task #2

For task 2, we were to create s Screencast using: http://freescreencast.com/pages/getstarted

My screecast can be found on google video at:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-514213648496568325&hl=en

Task #3

For task 3, we were to create a profile at Seesmic and join Dr. Alam and write a replay to: www.seesmic.com/jalam1001

The link to my replay is at: http://seesmic.com/videos/wSSJrBvyO9

Task #4

For activity 4, I was to create a voice thread. Here is the link to my voice thread:

http://voicethread.com/#u101054.b127118.i662680

Secondly, I was to respond to: http://voicethread.com/share/117203

A response was made and can be seen at the previous link.

Finally, a response to a class/group thread was made.

You can view my response at: http://voicethread.com/#q.b124795.i649086

Learning Unit 12: Audio/video acquisition and Real Time Conferencing

This learning unit introduces the video aspects of the internet.

ACTIVITY #1:

For this activity, I will post some links of some high definition videos from Microsoft websites and Apple websites.

Microsoft:

Here is an example of a hi def video of 720p quality. It is titled Adrenaline Rush: http://download.microsoft.com/download/2/0/9/20907788-993F-4EF6-8D75-F0DD93207FB8/AdrenalineRush_720.exe

Here is an example of hi def video of 1080p quality. It is titled The Rules of Attraction, which was a horrible movie!! http://download.microsoft.com/download/2/4/5/245bfb85-5394-4361-ba8c-c5b9906734cc/The_Rules_of_Attraction_1080.exe

Apple:

Here is a clip from an Apple website. This video is 1020p quality and is titled BBC Motion Gallery Presents CCTV. This clips shows a lot of shots from China. It’s really interesting. If anyone has 3 minutes of doing nothing, I suggest anyone to watch it. http://www.apple.com/quicktime/guide/hd/bbc_cctv.html

ACTIVITY #2:

For activity 2, I created a video with my DV camcorder and uploaded the video onto YouTube.com. In creating the video, I first recorded the video using my JVC MiniDV Digital Video Camera. After I had the footage, I connected the camera to my computer using a firewire . Next, I used stock video importing software by Microsoft to import the video onto my computer. After importing the footage, I used MS Windows Movidmaker to convert the wmv file to an avi file. After the conversion process, I uploaded the video onto youtube.com. Here the the link to my video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7j8G4sARJm4

ACTIVITY #3:

For activity 3, I was to choose from ustream, livevideo and stickam. and create a sample video on the website and make a post. For this assignment, I chose Stickam. Below, I will give my take on all three websites.

Ustream: Upstream was a little bit too cluttered. I didn’t really try using it, but I couldn’t navagate through the website well and there was offers that required fees and payment. For example, conferencing cost money to use the service. So, I was really turned off by the site right away.

Livevideo: Live video was really user friendly. They offer all kinds of services: video blogs, meetings, livestart, live shows. It looked interesting. Ill probably investigate further later when i have time.

Stickam: Stickam was a really neat and interesting website. I started using it only a couple minutes after visiting it for the first time. I really like the live chat. There are a couple forums where one can go to talk about all sorts of subjects. I tried it out. It was really easy and the streaming was very quick; there was very little lag. For the completion of the assignment, I made my post at www.stickam.com. To view my post, please visit the following website: http://www.stickam.com/editMediaComment.do?method=load&mId=178957383

ACTIVITY #4:

I registered with Wiziq and I am now following Dr. Alam

ACTIVITY #5:

For this activity, I have signed up for Seemic and I am now following jalam1001. My username is: Jshuster81. For demonstration and experience purposes, I tried making a video. It was really easy. Here is a link to my sample video: http://www.seesmic.com/app#/video/TMuoqTZgfO/watch

Reading Assignments:

The Holy Grail of Digital Video and Its Presence and Sharing on the Web- This discusses the efficiency of old and new video formats.

Real TIme Video Streaming Using Cell Phones- This shortly discusses how live streaming is now possible with cell phones.

Our Media Tutorials- This is a tutorial about creating all kinds of mediums on the internet. It was interesting but nothing for an advanced user.

Blip TV Tutorial- Another tutorial about creating videos on the web.

Videography for Educators- This discusses techniques and various software used to create internet videos – specifically videos for classroom education.

Also, I tried to add more video/audio creation websites to my del.icio.us and stubleupon accounts. Here are the links to my accounts:

del.ic.ious: http://del.icio.us/kackarotto13

StumbleUpon: http://kackarotto13.stumbleupon.com/

Learning Unit 11: Presentations and Slide Casts

Activity #1

For this activity, I chose a panorama of Brown Creek Trail. The website is: http://www.virtualparks.org/scenes/Z9rlQ3rLYw9fu_fe87esR0Q.html

Also, this site was added to my StumbleUpon Account. My StumbleUpon account name is Kackarotto13 and a link to my profile can be found here: http://kackarotto13.stumbleupon.com/

The title of the site is: Virtual Reality of Brown Creek Trail nr 3 …. and can be found under my favorites tab on stumbleupon.

Activity #2

For this activity, I created a slide show using MS PowerPoint. Here, my presentation was introductory and only covered the basics of social bookmarking. After creating the slide show, I uploaded it onto www.slideshare.net. My slide show can be found at the following link: http://www.slideshare.net/JShuster81/social-bookmarking1

Activity #3

For activity 3, a slide cast of the last presentation was to be created. In making a slidecast, an MP3 of the commentary had to be created and uploaded on the the web. Here is a link to my MP3 commentary. It was uploaded onto and published on archive.org:. MP3 link: http://ia360918.us.archive.org/0/items/SocialBookMarkingMP3/SocialBookmarking1.mp3

Next, I will provide a link to my slidecast: http://www.freewebs.com/jshust/Social%20Bookmarking/socialbookmarking1/socialbookmarking1/player.html

Finally, I will describe the process which I used to create my slidecast. Initially, I was going to use SlideShare to create my slidecast. However, due to difficulties with the website, I used Articulate software – a free trial and download can be found at http://www.articulate.com/. Here, I used my Powerpoint presentation of SBM and the narration MP3 that I uploaded on archive.org. I used an audio program Audacity to create my narration. I simply recorded the narration of my slideshow using Audacity and saved the file as an MP3. Next, I mated the MP3 clip and the slideshow together using the Articulate software. Finally, I saved the slidecast as a flash application.

After creating the slidecast, I uploaded slidecast to my www.freewebs.com account. In doing so, I can provide a link for anyone to see my presentation.  Finally, I posted a link to the slidecast on my blog page here. Again, here is the link to my presentation: http://www.freewebs.com/jshust/Social%20Bookmarking/socialbookmarking1/socialbookmarking1/player.html

Learning Unit 10:Social Networks and Co-Op Learning

The first task of this assignment was to jointly create an article on Social Networking Software with my fellow classmates. In doing so, we used Google Doc and created the document over the web. Here is the address to the Google Doc: Comparison and Personal Experience http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=d28krnt_25m9zb6bdt&hl=en

After the article was completed, it was uploaded onto scribd.com. Here is the URL to the doc:

http://www.scribd.com/doc/2543402/LU10JShusterSNS

In order to see my scribd profile visit: http://www.scribd.com/people/view/522784-james

Next, we discuss our personal choice of word processor. For my choice and reasons, see my posts at: http://wordprocessor.wetpaint.com/thread/1367457/Why+did+you+Choose+MS+Word%3F

For Task 2, Wetpaint Wiki was used to create a joint article, which was written by my classmates and me. Here, we discuss four major word processors: MS Word, ZOHO Writer, Google Docs and Wetpaint Wiki. The URL to our wiki doc is:

http://wordprocessor.wetpaint.com/page/Word+Processor+Comparison+Article

Again, after this article was completed, it was uploaded on to scribd.com. Here is the URL to the doc:

http://www.scribd.com/doc/2543641/LU10JShusterWP

For task three, various software was researched and collected for audio and video processing, websites for storing videos, flash based animation tools and real time communication. I have made a collection on Stumbleupon.com and del.icio.us. Here are the links to my collections:

Here is my del.isio.us bookmarks: http://del.icio.us/kackarotto13

Here is my StumbleUpon bookmarks: http://kackarotto13.stumbleupon.com/

I will discuss a few software that stood out while i was searching and researching.

For audio, i really like WavePad . I was able to get this for free, but I think there might be a fee now. With this, you can edit/add/adjust all kinds of features of a wave clip. Also, you can convert files; e.g. wav to mp3. It was really easy to use and I still use it today.

For video, I haven’t really found a GOOD audio/video editing tool – at least none that was free. One that i was jumpcut. Here, you use a web based program to edit and share video files.

For real time communication tools: Yugma was really useful and very real time. Also, WebHuddle looks good and it’s free. However, I was unable to try it with someone else.

For complete lists of these types of software, see my del.icio.us and StumbleUpon accounts listed above.

For task for, I responded several times to the forum, “How to Manage Many Information Resources.” Visit the forum with the following link to view my response and the responses of others: http://infotechtools.ning.com/group/managingmanyinformationresources

Learning Task / Unit 9: More Useful Utilities and Image Editing Software

TASK #1

The assignment was to use and familiarize with Google Calender, MyOffice on FaceBook, ZOHO Porject, and Yugma. Below, I have a small blog entry written about each of these programs.

Google Cal. : I thought this program is very interesting and comes packed with many features. I’m not sure that this program would be practical for me to use now. However, I could see this being very useful in my professional career. The calender program was very user friendly and very intuitive to use. The layout consists of a large viewable calendar which can be broken down into days, weeks, months and agenda. Events are easy to schedule and a reminder system (via email) is very convenient for important dates. Probably my favorite feature of the program is the ability to merge calenders with other users. Thus, you could see when other users are busy or have plans. My other favorite feature was the RSVP and vitiation option. Here you can send out invitations and keep track to those who accept or decline on invites. This can be very useful in the computer age where people are sending more electronic mail and less paper mail. A quick list of some of the features are: commenting on others’ calenders, event reminders (could be useful for birthdays and appointments), sharing capabilities, Gmail integration, multi-lang. and more. Overall, I thought this was a really good idea. I will probably use something like this in my career life. Something interesting to note is that I have come across a program similar to this before. The program is called weboffice by WebEX. I have never used it, but i watched the demo. The features seem very similar. However, you are required to pay for weboffice and google cal. is free!!

MyOffice by FaceBook : This was interesting and pretty good. I didn’t like the layout or the lack of features. I would like all of the tabs to be open on the side or somewhere that I dont have to click through all of them to see the contents and contributions of the group. However, I can see how this program could be useful. Here, it seems that you can collaborate with friends or co-workers on a project. This program has features like: task reminder, invites, overview, event scheduling, whiteboard and a couple others. Most of all, I thought that file sharing could be extremely useful. This would eliminate having to email each other files and trying to store them in a mailbox. I tested the file uploading and everyone was able to retrieve the file successfully. This seems to be way more convenient than emailing files. However, I noticed the ZoHoproject and Yugma have similar features and then some. However, you have to pay for Yugma and you are only allowed one free project at a time with ZOGO Project.

ZOHO project: I really liked this program. It seems very convenient for a team working on a single (or multiple) projects over the internet. This programs allows for all kinds of word and number processing programs, tasks and milestones, calenders, meeting schedules, times sheets, forums, reports and a lot of other features. There are also features that allow the team to see and evaluate the progress of the project. The program facilitates easy file sharing and storing. This def. is more convenient than emailing. Finally, a really nice feature is that maintaining one project is Free. I can see this program being very useful to all sorts of project teams.

Yugma: Yugma was a really impressive program. Chris and I tried this program out with our free trial. With this program, any number of people can communicate, share and virtually collaborate with each other over the internet as a team would at an office. This program has a lot of sharing features and tools that would be really useful for a collaborative team working over the internet. With this program, people can share desktops remotely, give desktop command to anyone connected.There is chat capabilities, presentation recording and replaying, and file sharing. I really liked this program and think it could be useful to any team working together over the internet. There is one major down fall in comparison to the other programs is that this program is not free. However, if a budget would allow it, I would def. choose this program.

GOOGLE Calendar: I created a google calendar and invited the entire class to share it with me. My calendar can be found under jshuster81@gmail.com at http://www.google.com/calendar

ZOHO Project: Here is the website to my zoho project. Dr. Alam and the rest of my group members are able to access the project. I started a test project and tried out some of the features. http://jshuster81.projects.zoho.com

TASK #2

Here is the website that exemplifies picture editing with Phixr

I included both a before and after of the photo.

http://www.freewebs.com/jshust/myeditedpicsandlogopage.htm

Here are my Flickr and Picasa photo albums.

Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/25260104@N06/

Picasa: http://picasaweb.google.com/jshuster81

Logo Website:

Here is a link the the web page on which I embeded my Logo that I made with Inkscape. The link is located at the bottom of the page.

http://www.freewebs.com/jshust/myeditedpicsandlogopage.htm

Here is a link that will go straight to my logo.

http://www.freewebs.com/jshust/jamesnotepad.html

Image Editing

There are many different types of image editing software available on the market today. Processing algorithm, editing tools, features, options, file storage, program storage, vector based, professional editing, file placement, file sharing and shareware are just a few of the options that need to be considered when choosing an image editing package.

Based on a class assignment, this blog will address four different options found among the oodles of image editing softwares available today. Those options are: web-based and non-web-based image editing software and vector and roaster based image editing softwares.

Below, I will list some of the softwares that I am aware of and I will categorize them according to the features listed above.

I personally have not extensively used these programs. However, I am aware of most of their features have used some. I will try to list some as I make my list.

Also, for more information about raster and vector based software, visit: http://www.signindustry.com/computers/articles/2004-11-30-DASvector_v_raster.php3

The following programs are desktop based softwares:

Raster Based:

1. GIMP – I have used this software. I think it was a little difficult to use at first, but it has tons of options and features and its FREE!! (www.gimp.org)
2. Procreate’s Painter from Adobe – I have not used this program, but it looks interesting. However, Its for Apple.
3. Paint – I don’t think this is very good / diverse software. Paint by Windows

Vector Based

1. Inkscape – This was pretty easy to use right away. It has a lot of features and all compacted into a large window. I hate multi window programs. (www.inkscape.org)
2. Photoshop – This program is extremely powerful and has been around for quite a while. (www.photoshop.com)
3. Corel – This too has been around for quite a while. (www.corel.com)
4. Creature House – I have even seen this program before this assignment, I’m in the process of checking it out. (www.creaturehouse.com)

Now, the following programs are internet based softwares:

Raster Based:

1. Phixr – This is a really easy online tool to use. Its very intuitive and all of the options are easy to figure out. (www.phixr.com)
2. GIFWorks – Again, very easy to use. (www.gifworks.com)
3. PXN8 – This program was a little dull and not so good. For example, there was no preview option and it made changes hard. (www.pxn8.com)

Vector Based:

1. Slashup – I didnt get a chance to use this, but it looks pretty good from the pic and option views that I’ve seen. (www.slashup.net)
2. VectorMagic – Meh, ok. (www.vectormagic.com)
3. ImageEditor -This seemed to work well. Had some options. (www.imageeditor.net)

All of these programs can be located by Googleing the names of the programs.

Blogging About the Social Networks;

The five social networks which I have been exposed to through ENGR:6923 were: Facebook, Ning, Pownce, FriendFeed and LinkedIn. Of the 5 networks I found Facebook to be my favorite. I think the network is extremely easy to use. I like the layout and all the features. Also, it seems to be the most popular out of the 5 and the most popular among my friends. I really like all the profile options on Facebook; personalizing; creating a personal page for my personality. I also like the messaging and comment system on Facebook. The network just seems more interesting and fun than the other.

As for Ning, I think its a good network. However, I think its too hard to navigate through. I hate going through all the different screens and buttons just to get a message. I do like the gadgets and the discussion setup. However, I think it looks too cluttered with small text.

LinkedIn seemed to professional and more career/job oriented. It didn’t really seem like a friend-social network. Although, I could see how this network would be very useful to individuals seeking a career change and looking to network over the internet. Also, I thought it was really plain. I think they should dress it up a bit.

Finally, I think Pownce and FriendFeed were pretty similar in that you personalize your page with feeds, links, rss’s, etc. that you like. Furthermore, you can share this things with your friends. Furthermore, these sites allow users to “network” other sites to this site. This could be really convenient for people with lots of social network accounts.

Although I haven’t listed all the pro and cons of the various social networks, they all have their positives and negatives. I suppose it just depends on the interests of the user. Again, I personally see FaceBook as the most useful social network to me. But thats me.

CORRECTIONS:

Here are links to my LINKEDIN, POWNCE, and friendfeed pages:

LINKEDIN: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/7/739/40

POWNCE: http://pownce.com/Kackarotto13/

friend feed: http://friendfeed.com/james13

Here are links to my del.icio.us, Stumble upon and digg pages.

del.icio.us : http://del.icio.us/kackarotto13

Stumble upon: http://kackarotto13.stumbleupon.com/

digg: http://digg.com/users/kackarotto13

Comparing Word 07, ZOHO, Wiki and Google Doc

Of the four word processors, I will definitely continue to use MS Word. I believe this program is much more powerful and practical. Also, I think Word as a lot more useful features and incorporates a lot of programs into its use. I also think Word is easier to use. However, this might be because I’ve been using the program for over 10 years. However, I do like the idea of sharing/storing/and co authoring documents online. It seems very convenient and potentially very useful. Of the online word processors, I really liked Wiki. I know that it didn’t have a lot of options, but i thought it was the easiest to use and I didn’t have one problem while using it.

Comparing Word 07, Zoho, Wiki and Google Doc

ZOHO web-document:

http://writer.zoho.com/public/jjunger/Editors/script

Wiki web-document:

http://engr6923s08g4.wetpaint.com/