by on December 9, 2015

Remix Presentations, Day Four

This is the post for the Wednesday, December 9, 2015 class meeting, our last day 🙁Puppies trying to squirm out the door, with the caption, How I feel on the last day of school

For Fun

Shakespearean Carols—Shakespearean plots + Christmas carol melodies

Presentations

10:10 class presentations will be from these folks:

11:15 class presentations will be from these folks:

Complete a Short Survey

Please complete this 4-question survey to help me make decisions about how to teach the class in the future. You may need to login with your vt.edu email address and password. Your answers will not effect your grade in the course.

Remaining To-Do’s

  1. Complete the SPOT survey if you haven’t yet.

  2. Submit your remix by 11:55 PM on Wednesday, December 9, 2015 (end of grace period), following the instructions posted on November 30.

  3. Take the final exam. The rubric for the final has been posted in Canvas. If your work is not submitted by noon on Wednesday, December 16 (end of grace period), you will receive a zero.

  4. Watch your email for two announcements next week:
    • One will tell you when I have all the remixes graded.
    • The other will tell you when the course grades are finalized.
  5. Remember that  I do not round grades and that I do not provide extra credit. The grade scale is on the syllabus.

 
Last updated on 9th December, 2015, 9:26 AM
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by on December 7, 2015

Remix Presentations, Day Three

This is the post for the Monday, December 7, 2015 class meeting.

Presentations

chucknorris-presentation10:10 class presentations will be from these folks:

11:15 class presentations will be from these folks:

Remaining To-Do’s

  1. If you are presenting Wednesday, submit the link to your presentation in the "Remix Presentation" assignment in Canvas by 9 PM on Tuesday, 12/8.

  2. Complete the SPOT survey if you haven’t yet. The Department uses your feedback to make decisions about teaching methods, course content, and faculty promotion. Written comments help me decide what to keep or change the next time I teach the course.

  3. Submit your remix by 11:55 PM on Wednesday, December 9, 2015 (end of grace period), following the instructions posted Monday.

  4. Take the final exam. The rubric for the final has been posted in Canvas. If your work is not submitted by noon on Wednesday, December 16 (end of grace period), you will receive a zero.


 
Last updated on 7th December, 2015, 5:25 PM
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by on December 4, 2015

Remix Presentations, Day Two

This is the post for the Friday, December 4, 2015 class meeting.

Presentations

Cat says, This presentation will blow your mind10:10 class presentations will be from these folks:

11:15 class presentations will be from these folks:

Remaining To-Do’s

  1. If you are presenting Monday, submit the link to your presentation in the "Remix Presentation" assignment in Canvas by 9 PM on Sunday, 12/6.

  2. Complete the SPOT survey if you haven’t yet. The Department uses your feedback to make decisions about teaching methods, course content, and faculty promotion. Written comments help me decide what to keep or change the next time I teach the course.

  3. Submit your remix by 11:55 PM on Wednesday, December 9, 2015 (end of grace period), following the instructions posted Monday.

  4. Take the final exam. If your work is not submitted by noon on Wednesday, December 16 (end of grace period), you will receive a zero.


 
Last updated on 4th December, 2015, 9:40 AM
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by on December 2, 2015

Remix Presentations, Day One

This is the post for the Wednesday, December 2, 2015 class meeting.

cat-presentation11:15 class: Please log into your computer for today’s presentations. One of the presenters wants you to view her project at your own workstation.

Presentations

10:10 class presentations will be from these folks:

11:15 class presentations will be from these folks:

Remaining To-Do’s

  1. If you are presenting Friday, submit the link to your presentation in the "Remix Presentation" assignment in Canvas by 9 PM on Thursday, 12/3.

  2. Complete the SPOT survey if you haven’t yet. The Department uses your feedback to make decisions about teaching methods, course content, and faculty promotion. Written comments help me decide what to keep or change the next time I teach the course.

  3. Submit your remix by 11:55 PM on Wednesday, December 9, 2015 (end of grace period), following the instructions posted Monday.

  4. Take the final exam. If your work is not submitted by noon on Wednesday, December 16 (end of grace period), you will receive a zero.


 
Last updated on 2nd December, 2015, 9:54 AM
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by on November 6, 2015

Submitting Mockups and Storyboards

This is the post for the Friday, November 6, 2015 class meeting.

Career Connections Attendees

Sleepy kitten, with the caption, I don't know about your but I'm ready for the weekend!Check in with me at the beginning of the session, so I’ll know you need to leave early.

Remix Rubric

I’ve added a rubric to the assignment in Canvas. The numbers may shift around slightly, after I test some scenarios. Notice that the project is worth 90 points. The remaining 10 points are earned for the in-class presentation in December.

Working On Your Mockup and/or Storyboard

Use your time during today’s session to finalize your mockup or storyboard. Use the examples and tools included from Wednesday’s class as you work.

If you already finished your mockup or storyboard, please work on other aspects of your project.

By the end of today’s session, you should have submitted your mockup and/or your storyboard in the "Project 4 Mockup/Storyboard" Quiz.

In-Class Writing

We need to complete this in-class writing slightly differently because of the many different ways you may have created your mockup or storyboard. Choose the option below that fits your work. When you click on the option, full instructions will appear. Follow them to submit your work:

  • Website URL only
    1. Go to Assignments in Canvas.
    2. Choose the "Project 4 Mockup or Storyboard" activity, under the Participation, etc. heading.
    3. Click the big Submit Assignment button on the upper right.
    4. Click the Website URL tab, and you will see the form below on the page:
      weburl
    5. Paste the link to your site in the Website URL field.
    6. Click the Submit Assignment button, and your link will be turned in.

  • File upload only

    1. Go to Assignments in Canvas.
    2. Choose the "Project 4 Mockup or Storyboard" activity, under the Participation, etc. heading.
    3. Click the big Submit Assignment button on the upper right.
    4. Click the File Upload tab, and you will see the form below on the page:
      fileupload2
    5. Click the Choose File button, and navigate to your file.
    6. Click the Add Another File link if you need to to upload additional files.
    7. Click the Submit Assignment button, and your work will be uploaded and turned in.

  • Both website URL and file upload

    Canvas does not allow you to use both options at the same time, so you will have to write an extra document. Follow these instructions:

    1. Write a short memo in your word processor that gives me the URL. It can be very short and direct. Just give me the link and tell me what it goes to.
    2. Go to Assignments in Canvas.
    3. Choose the "Project 4 Mockup or Storyboard" activity, under the Participation, etc. heading.
    4. Click the big Submit Assignment button on the upper right. You’ll see this File Upload form:
      fileupload2
    5. Click the Choose File button, and navigate to the short memo you have written.
    6. Click the Add Another File link to upload additional files.
    7. Once you have uploaded all your files, click the Submit Assignment button, and your work will be uploaded and turned in.

Homework

For today, do the following:

For Monday, do the following before class:

  • Review the information on documentation for your projects in Chapter 4 of Writer/Designer. We’ll talk about finding assets, and you will create a documentation plan for your project.

 
Last updated on 6th November, 2015, 2:59 AM
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by on November 4, 2015

Designing with Mockups and Storyboards

This is the post for the Wednesday, November 4, 2015 class meeting.

Mockup and Storyboard Examples

cool storyboard, broThese examples show the mockups and storyboards that students created for projects in the past:

Mockup Tools

Mock-ups are usually used for websites, projects that are “static” (like posters or brochures), and texts that are primarily linguistic or visual in nature. Wireframes (if you’re familiar with the term) fall into this category. Be sure to use the Mock-up guidelines on p. 95 of Writer/Designer to guide your process.

Here are some possible tools:

Storyboard Tools

Storyboarding is usually used for projects that move through a series of pieces, places, or points in time—like a video, comic book, or graphic novel. Be sure to use the storyboard guidelines on p. 97–98 of Writer/Designer to guide your process.

Storyboarding is, essentially, outlining your text visually, so you may be happy with creating a simple outline in Google Docs. For online tools I’ve made, I created storyboards with PowerPoint, because it was simple and I had a copy. If you do go this route, Google Slides would work too.

If you want to try something specifically created for storyboarding or a cartoon or timeline tool (listed in Monday’s post), take at look at these resources for creating and organizing storyboards:

Old-Fashioned Tools

Good, old paper and pencil can work for mock-ups and storyboards. There’s no reason that these planning tools have to be digitally produced. Sketch them out if you want to, but then scan them or take a photo so that you can turn them in.

Backing Up Your Design

Many of the mockup and storyboard tools publish your design on their site. Just in case something goes wrong, I strongly advise you to print your work to a PDF, take a screenshot, or otherwise back up the mockup or storyboard that you create.

In-Class Writing

After you look at some of the tools, go to the "Project 4 Design Quiz" tell me the following:

  • whether you will create a mockup or a storyboard (or both).
  • which tool you will use. If you haven’t decided on a mockup or storyboard tool, you can explain why.
  • any questions that have come up for you as you’ve worked on designing your project.

Homework

For today, do the following:

  • If you didn’t complete your "Project 4 Design Quiz" quiz in Canvas, please use the grace period to finish by 5:30 PM Thursday (11/5).

For Friday, do the following before class:

  • Friday will be an in-class workday, for creating/finishing your storyboards and/or mockups.
  • Bring whatever you need to work on your project in class.
  • Anyone signed up for the English Career Connection will be allowed to leave early, after I check in with you on your project.

 
Last updated on 4th November, 2015, 12:12 AM
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by on November 2, 2015

Making and Pitching Multimodal Texts

This is the post for the Monday, November 2, 2015 class meeting.

Don Draper on Mad Men set, with the caption I got 99 problems but a pitch ain't one.Important Dates

Today is the end of the grace period for Project 3. Be sure you have turned it in by 11:59 PM tonight. All other upcoming dates are all on the Project 4 Schedule page.

Additional Tools

Note the table of software programs in the textbook on page 78. Here are some additional tools you can use as you work on your projects:

If you find anything problematic (e.g., racist, stereotypes) as you work with these tools, let me know and I’ll take that tool off the list.

Deciding What Tools to Use

Test the tools (slideshow with examples) that you are considering for your project to ensure that they do what you need them to.

  • Will the tool support your rhetorical situation?
  • Does the tool give you control of pertinent design choices?
  • Does the tool support the modes you want to use as you retell the story?
  • Are there useful affordances to the tool?
  • Are there problematic constraints?

Before you make your final decision on the tool that you want to use, you need to check some specific constraints that have been a problem in the past:

  • Are there any time limits to how long you can use it?
  • Are there any other restrictions on how much you can use it?
  • How does it export your work? (and yes, I have the student’s permission to share this work):

Key Points from Chapter 5

As you read and use information from Chapter 5 of Writer/Designer, pay particular attention to these details:

  1. Table of Technology Choices on page 78.

  2. The book explains that a multimodal project doesn’t have to be digital; however, what you make for Project 4 does have to be digital.

  3. As you firm up your decision on what tool(s) to use, keep in mind the same questions you used to evaluate an interface in Project 3. There’s also a case study that starts on page 79 and a technology review on page 81.

  4. Pay attention to the tips on organizing and naming your files on pages 88–89.

  5. Consider making a short style guide for your work to ensure consistency, following the suggestions on page 89.

Pitches (In-Class Writing)

Complete the "Project 4 Pitch" quiz in Canvas to tell me about your current plans for Project 4. Please be specific as you answer each of the questions. I will use the information to ensure that you have chosen a project that will fulfill the assignment.

If your plans change in the future, you will need to talk to me to get approval for the new direction you are taking.

Homework

For today, please do the following:

  • If you didn’t complete your "Project 4 Pitch" quiz in Canvas, please use the grace period to finish by 5:30 PM Tuesday (11/3).

For Wednesday, do the following before class:

  • Read Chapter 6 of Writer/Designer. We’ll talk about storyboards and mockups in class.

For Friday, do the following before class:

  • Bring whatever you need to work on your project in class. Friday will be an in-class workday.
  • Anyone signed up for the English Career Connection will be allowed to leave early, after I check in with you on your project.

 
Last updated on 2nd November, 2015, 2:52 AM
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by on October 30, 2015

Project 4 Tools

This is the post for the Friday, October 30, 2015 class meeting.

Black cat with pumpkin bucket and the caption You give me treats or I will tricks youImportant Dates

PSAs

Project 4 Pitch

Monday, you will write and submit your pitch, in a quiz based on the list of questions on p. 56 of Writer/Designer. You may want to bring your book so you can consult it as you are writing.

Your pitch should tell me the following information:

  • What story did you choose
  • How will you remix it
  • What form/genre are you using (e.g., video, infographic, animation)
  • What tools will you use
  • How are you incorporating risk/what you hope to learn

Lynda.com Resources

Look for support for the tools you are using on the lynda.com site, which is free with your vt.edu login. Here are some examples, based on tools you mentioned in your pitches:

Other Tools You Can Use

There are lots of tools that you can use to create assets as you work on your remix. Use the skills you developed in the Interrogate the Interface project to decide which of these tools might be right for you. Remember that your work needs to published in a public space online, so one criteria is that the tool has to provide something you can link to or that you can upload to your WordPress site.

These tools can help if you need to fake social media updates. Just don’t use them to prank people:

These web-based tools can help you publish or build your project:

In-Class Writing

After you look at some of the tools, choose one or two and talk about how it might be useful (or won’t be) for your project in the "Project 4 Tool Assessment" quiz. In particular talk about the modes it supports and the affordances and constraints of the tool.

Homework

For today, please do the following:

  • If you didn’t complete your "Project 4 Tool Assessment" quiz in Canvas, please use the grace period to finish by 5:30 PM Sunday (11/1).

For Monday, do the following before class:

  • Read Chapter 5 of Writer/Designer.
  • Be prepared to write a pitch in a quiz, following the questions on p. 56 of Writer/Designer.
  • Remember that the grace period for Project 3 ends at 11:59 PM.

 
Last updated on 30th October, 2015, 10:41 AM
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Project 4 Schedule

  • Mon, Nov 2: Project 3 grace period ends at 11:59 PM
  • During Nov: In-class work on pitches, timelines, storyboards, mockups, and so forth
  • Tue, Nov 17: Peer Review Draft due by 11:59 PM
  • Wed, Nov 18: Peer Review Feedback due by 11:59 PM (no class meeting)
  • Fri, Nov 20: Revision Plan due by 11:59 (no class meeting)
  • Thanksgiving Break: Nov 21 to Nov 29
  • Mon, Nov 30: Project due by 11:59 PM
  • Wed, Dec 2 through Wed, Dec 9: In-class Presentations
  • Wed, Dec 9: Project Grace Period ends at 11:59 PM
  • Final Exam (officially):
    • 10:10 course: Due by 9:45 AM on Wed, Dec 16
    • 11:15 course: Due by 5:25 PM on Mon, Dec 14

Calendar View


 
Last updated on 28th October, 2015, 12:59 PM
by on October 28, 2015

Project 4 Examples

This is the post for the Wednesday, October 28, 2015 class meeting.

Black kitten with bat wings, captioned I am the night. Fear me.Important Dates

  • Mon, Nov 2: Project 3 grace period ends at 11:59 PM
  • During Nov: In-class work on pitches, timelines, storyboards, mockups, and so forth
  • Tue, Nov 17: Peer Review Draft due by 11:59 PM
  • Wed, Nov 18: Peer Review Feedback due by 11:59 PM (no class meeting)
  • Fri, Nov 20: Revision Plan due by 11:59 (no class meeting)
  • Thanksgiving Break: Nov 21 to Nov 29
  • Mon, Nov 30: Project due by 11:59 PM
  • Wed, Dec 2 through Wed, Dec 9: In-class Presentations
  • Wed, Dec 9: Project Grace Period ends at 11:59 PM
  • Final Exam (officially):
    • 10:10 course: Due by 9:45 AM on Wed, Dec 16
    • 11:15 course: Due by 5:25 PM on Mon, Dec 14

PSAs

All the Student Examples Possible!

As you look through the examples, keep this information in mind:

  • Grades for these examples range. FERPA regulations prevent me from telling you specific grades.
  • Taking risks works into the grade, so you cannot see everything that went into the grades.
  • Be respectful as you discuss the work of other students.
  • Please do not leave comments/questions on any of these student sites.
  • The situation matters for how many projects were created, so ask me if you want more info.
Title with Link Format
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day Prezi
Anthony Blankenship (ant) and Gregory Porter (grasshopper) Facebook
Around the World in 80 Days Prezi
Beauty and the Beast on Facebook Facebook
Beauty and the Beast Newspapers Prezi
Beauty and the Beast Remix video
Belle Magazine magazine
Boston Tea Party video
Attack of the Deranged Mutant Monster Killer Snow Goons Remix video
Cat in the Hat Goes College Instagram
Cat Identity (Winnie the Pooh) video
Chamber of PostSecrets PostSecret
Daisy Buchanan Pinterest
Don Quixote and the Giants video
Ethereal Ariel blog
Frozen: Blacksburg Edition webpage
Game of Thrones Red Wedding chatroom
Game of Thrones Memes meme photos
Green Eggs And Ham Remix: A Story video
Guess How Much I Love You, Celebrity Edition slideshow
Harry Potter Timeline infographic
Harry Potter Title Sequence (was to be an animation) storyboard
Keeping Up with the Hokies (Princess and the Pea) Twitter
Legend of Sleepy Hollow flipbook
Marching Through Manhattan (Little Women) blog
Midsummer Night’s Dream Twitter
Most Dangerous Game comic
Mount Vernon Christmas Pinterest
Music Man Remix Facebook
Peter Pan Enters the Job Force infographic
Postcards from Captain Nemo slideshow
Pride and Prejudice on Page Six newspaper
Princess and the Pea magazine
Princess and the Pea video
Rapunzel video
Rose-Red and the Bear video
Same Love by Macklemore as told through The Gay Rights Movement video
Scooby-Doo & Mystery, Inc.: What’s The Gang Up To During Retirement? Buzzfeed
Scout’s Instagram Account Instagram
Snow White and the Huntsman Instagram
Spider-Hokie Swings into Blacksburg video
The Borrowers text messages
The Folly of Hades (Hercules Myth) Twitter
The Hunger Games, Time Magazine Edition magazine
The Little Mermaid Facebook / Prezi
The Nutcracker Toy Catalog flipbook
The Once Upon a Times newspaper
The Three Little Scholars Broadcast video
Very Hungry Hokie Instagram / Prezi
A Week in the Woods (Hansel and Gretel) Prezi
What Happened to Little Red Riding Hood? Prezi
Who Is The Fairest of Them All? website

 

Homework

For Friday, do the following before class:

  • Finish reading Chapter 3 of Writer/Designer, from p. 45 to the end.
  • Spend time exploring the pertinent examples from the list above so that you have narrowed down your choice of tools.

For Monday, do the following before class:

  • Read Chapter 5 of Writer/Designer.
  • Be prepared to write a pitch in a quiz, following the questions on p. 56 of Writer/Designer.

 
Last updated on 28th October, 2015, 2:33 AM
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