This was an awesome challenge issued by our director Alan. The challenge was to do 7 (or more) daily creates in a row. It was tough, but I did it!! Peep the creatives my friends: Day 1: To draw a tornado: I used some photo editing magic
Day 2: To take make a photo of an outdoor scene free of any human artifacts..
did some editing… to age it and enhance its earthy look. To find places like this is truly a rarity, even ‘of old’ to some degree. Maybe one day all we will truly have is pictures…
Day 3: Make/take a video of what is playing on channel 106 on your cable…
Day 4: Record an annoying Telemarketing Voicemail
This was really funny to do, I always do this accent w/ my friends. It never ceases to make us laugh, so it was only right I use it.
Day 5: Tell camp about technology you can’t live without…
I know I know… I probably sounded super nerdy in the video. But I just really love my watches, and my time. ALL the cool kids where watches anyways (that’s free advice for ya)
Day 6: Flip the Decibels—> Making a soft sound loud… crushing paper
Day 7: Picture of Attraction…
ahh the attraction of tape lol And that concludes my 7 day challenge!
-What did you expect this class to be like? What did it end up being like?
At first, I was extremely overwhelmed with the course material presented. I was scared it would be too much when I looked at the syllabus and introduction videos. I was worried that I would not “be good at” the course. I relaxed a bit after the first two weeks, as I had lots of free time on my hands. Also, at first, I lacked confidence when submitting my projects. I thought all the computer whizzes would make fun of my work! I am not used to sharing my assignments on the world wide web. I got lots of good feedback and that really helped me grow as a DS106 student. I gained lots of confidence and knew I could complete the work. When my job started (amongst other events), I began to get very overwhelmed again and my work started piling up. I was extremely busy. I wish I had more time this summer; I realized that having two jobs and taking an online class is not quite as easy as I thought!
-What work that you did are you most proud of? What assignment do you wish you could do over?
I am proud of my “Mashup Those Movies” and “Troll Quotes” assignments. I thought I approached them with a creative attitude! At first, I wished I could redo my “Create A New You” assignment, but then, I ended up creating a new assignment (“Overedit yourself!”) in the DS106 assignment repository, based on what I wished I had done in the original assignment. It actually worked out really well! Some of my assignments were submitted late because I didn’t realize I hadn’t published the blog post (they were saved as drafts)! I wish I had submitted those on time.
-If you could pick one thing you did and keep working on it, what would it be, and how would you expand upon or change it?
I spent a lot of time on the work I submitted; there’s not much I would want to change. I would go back and work on my weekly letters home, because I often times would jot some stuff down in a draft, then forget about them! I would also try to spend more time on Minecraft. Quite honestly, I avoided it because I was frustrated and I kept getting killed by zombies?!?! After working with kids all day, that was always defeating to come home to!
-How do you think you will use the skills and ideas you’ve been introduced to in this class in the future?
I hope to continue to tell my digital story. I think in the future, my ability to use editing resources will come in handy when I have a job. Maybe I will be able to make my own visuals for the classroom? After this class, I feel very technologically savvy. There’s something to say about tech savvy teachers. Most of my grade school teachers (except the computer ones, of course) were never very good with the internet, or even really the computer. It was often the students instructing the teachers what to do, which always bothered me. I feel like my knowledge has broadened and I can pass it on to my students. Maybe they too will share their stories digitally? I plan to encourage those of age to do so.
-What did you like about this class? What did you hate about it?
I liked how interactive the class was. The assignments were fun and I got a chance to be creative. I also liked how we were divided up into cabins and given the chance to interact with others through the internet, since we were not in a classroom environment. Even though I got very frustrated at times, I never felt alone. I appreciated how the professors gave so much feedback and assistance. When I needed help, they reached out to me. It is nice to know they care so much about the success of their students. I hope I too, one day, can be a teacher who is not just doing her job, but wanting to do her job, because others benefit (students learn). It is truly a rewarding occupation!
Hate is a strong word, but I was definitely not a fan of Minecraft…
-What was your favorite assignment? Why? What was your least favorite assignment? Why?
I really, really enjoyed all of the Visual Assignments. I’ve always been interested in photography and editing photos. I think I liked the “Warhol Something” assignment best, where I “Warholed” a photo of my beloved dog, Tux. Because I got to pick most all of my assignments, I didn’t really like any of them “least.” I definitely preferred the DS106 Missions over the video/reading reactions. The missions were more hands-on and got me much more excited to blog.
-What is your fondest camp memory?
My fondest camp memories include my first campfire and my late night talks with my dear friend and bunkmate, Kavon. I was warmly welcomed into camp by my counselors and fellow campers. They all made my transition to camp very easy and provided comfort along the way.
-What advice would you give future #ds106 students?
leelzeebub said it would be interesting to place extreme edits on the photo. For Tiffany’s assignment, I tried to make myself look better with the touch-ups. The point of my newly created assignment is to go all out, to make yourself look ridiculous. PicMonkey has some really cool editing tools like eye brightening, teeth whitening, hair highlights, etc. I took touch-ups to a whole new level!
Ever wanted to be somewhere else? Take a photo of yourself in your current location, crop your body out of the photo and paste on an image where you would prefer to be. Put together the two photos for a before and after effect!
For this assignment, which I created, I started off by daydreaming about being at the beach. This sparked my imagination, surprisingly enough. I decided I would have my sister take a picture of me sitting on the couch doing my DS106 homework. Then, I found a photo of a beach on Flickr under a Creative Commons License.
I also learned how to give attribution to the source image from the “Support Creative Commons With a Poster” assignment.
I used my favorite photo editing site, Aviary. I used the Image Editor. I started off by adding text to the bottom of the photo giving attribution to the source image. You can use the template below for attribution to flickr photos (the italics is where you should insert the specific information for the particular photo):
cc licensed (BY license) flickr photo by flickr username: link to photo on flickr
I cropped the original photo of myself on my Mac’s photo editing device (iPhoto) so I was just the focal point. I saved it to my desktop. On Aviary Image Editor, I chose “File” “Import Image” and imported the image. Make sure you select “layer” from the drop-down layer menu on the panel on the right.
I chose the resize option and made the photo smaller.
This is where it gets tricky. I chose the Magic Wand tool from the left side bar. I held the “Shift” key and edited out the remainder of the photo of myself (so my couch wouldn’t be in the background). I then “Cut” the selection.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/78979154@N02/
Then I needed to edit out the stripes left over from the pillow on my couch. I chose the dropper tool to match with the sand. Then I chose the paint brush tool and painted over the stripes.
On the right option panel, at the bottom, second from the left, there is a plain folder. I clicked that to group all my layers.
Then, I selected “File” “Save As” and saved the file as a .JPG to my desktop.
I opened a new Aviary file (from scratch) and imported the original photo of me sitting on my couch to the canvas and resized it as I liked. Below, I imported the edited photo of me on the beach. I saved it to my Aviary account and uploaded to Flickr.
I created this assignment because I just got the idea for this assignment when I was sorting my CDs looking at how different all the album covers are and thought it would be a good idea for an assignment to create your own album cover, I felt like this would be a fun assignment to do because you could do anything you want with it its really up to you. So I hope you all enjoy creating your own.
This is a Tutorial to complete the Deserted Island Design Assignment using the Program Paint or something similar.
Step 1: Open paint and choose a background color using the paint bucket icon.
(You can also find a picture you want to be your background online, then download it and right click and say open with Paint and then it will be set as your background.)
Step 2: Using the Text Icon Insert the Title (Whatever you want to call it)
Step 3: Find online or on your computer the pictures of the three things you consider necessary for you surviving on an Island.
Step 4: Use copy and paste to place the three Items in your Paint Document then arrange them to look the way you want.
Step 5: Use the text icon and label each item to avoid confusion.
Step 6: Finally, add any extra personalized touch you feel is necessary.
I did a remix of an audio assignment that I had actually done previously. The remix button gave me this remix take on it : I had to an imitation of weather audio clip previously done and use it to create an advertisment or a recruiting tool for ds106. I liked it, because I’ve really grown passionate about DS106 and figured I could have some fun with it. I went through a few of the examples by other DS106ers… trying to brainstorm which one I would use, and how I would structure my remix around it. Most of the examples were of rain, storms, water, etc. After listening to the clip on this blog while closing my eyes, i imagined something being flooded slowly. It was an assignment done in the spring by Katherine. I had image of being flooded w/ ‘regular’ classes, and how refreshing DS106 was from all of that.
Then came the idea to give it a pirate’s theme. I love pirates.. pirate movies, pirate slang, eye patches, the works (did you know that facebook has a pirate language setting?!?!). I decided to record myself attempting a pirate accent, I think I struggled a bit with it but it was tons of fun. I was laughing at myself while doing this assignment, but I think I got the message across. Enough of reading this though… stop. And listen to this Ad:
If I heard this before I registered for DS106, I would be very curious to see what it was all about. Also to find out what kind of class brought a student to make something as crazy as this. It was interesting taking something another student created using materials around her, and making it into something completely different… the basis of creativity is on display here I like to think. The fact that this example was not even done during this session, but by a student that I don’t know and took this course journey last spring, I think is an even strong testament to how amazing and far reaching DS106 is.
I’ve wrote my whole shpeel on remixes a while back, but after looking at more material and examples I think I have an even better grasp of it. First I watched “Everything is a Remix Part 1“. This was really interesting to because I love music.
The video went through different genre’s of music, and showed how they used different lyrics, beats, melodies and baselines from other genre’s past… and ‘remixed’ them. Not always giving credit though. I am personally for giving credit where credit is due. But I still think it a creative act. The presentation of this remixed work is still very original. Led Zeppelin presented those lyrics to an audience that was more than likely unfamiliar with the works of Willie Dixon, Howlin Wolfs, etc.
The other video and website I checked out was that for the book by Austin Klean- “Steal like an Artist.” It showed a very positive view on ‘remixing’ and how it was the very essence of creativity. He does show that there is a good and bad way to “steal” though!
Remixing is the very essence of creativity I feel, and it leads to very interesting (sometimes interesting as in… just plain funny) creations. Watching the Buffy vs. Edward: Twilight Remixed and the Star Wars Call Me Maybe videos was a ton of fun. They are creations not made for crazy profiteering, they were made out of a creative passion. They were funny and amusing. The Star Wars video is NOT the Star Wars movie or the original ‘Call Me Maybe’ song, it is something completely different and unique. Same thing with the Twilight remix. Another was the 30 Classic Music Albums Recreated with Lego. This is very original work! It is taking the albums and presenting them in a manner that is brand new and fresh. It re-expresses them.
Remixing can be done negatively, but many times it can be done in an ethical and positive manner. Where that line is drawn is very relative and maybe even a bit vague… but so are most things concerning knowledge I think. If it wasn’t for remixing, we wouldn’t most music that is out, we wouldn’t have different models of cars, different computer brands, smartphones, even fashion… so for the sake of everything… I say we remix on.
I had really no idea what this class would be like. At the beginning, this class was an enigma. I was unsure of how it would be laid out and where I would fit into the dynamics of class. I was completely new to a lot of aspects of this class and was nervous about how I would complete assignments. In the end, DS106 was a great experience. It was a bunch of fun and stretched my knowledge and experience with the wonderful world of digital storytelling. It taught me many new things as well that I would never have realized had I not taken this class. It was much simpler than I had anticipated.
I am most proud of is my visual assignments. It always gives me a boost of confidence when I review my work. However, I wish that I could do some of my audio assignments over again. I have learned a whole lot more from that week in listening and taking others advice. I would definitely choose to continue on with visual storytelling. I deeply connected with the catchphrase assignment. I love catch phrases and lines from TV and Movies. I would also incorporate other things into the “catchphrase” genre, such as song and book titles. In continuing with this assignment, I would also compile several catchphrases to tell a story.
I definitely will use my photo and video editing skills in the future. Also, I will use the ideas that I learned from design and use them. I am a board member of an all breed animal rescue. My job also includes Webmaster, so using all my skills that I have gained from this class, I will re-tool the website into an astounding blog for the animal rescue.
My advice, wisdom gained from experience, to future campers is seriously manage your time. Do not let time get away from you because it will fly away on you. Also, the other major piece of advice I have for any future student is: Don’t be afraid to admit you don’t understand. No one bites and everyone is super helpful.
It all started on May 21, 2012, a young girl by the name of Kavon Johnson was sent to her first summer camp. She had never been to summer camp before so she was very nervous. Along with being very nervous she was questioning why her mother decided to send her to camp this year. Kavon wasn’t a bad child and her mother never had any problems out of her. So why was she being sent away. Even with all of her questions Kavon went on to summer camp.
When Kavon got to camp, it was very new for her. She knew no one, but everyone started introducing themselves and telling each other about their social networking sites. everyone seemed to have a Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, Soundcloud, YouTube, and so on.
Soon the interaction began. One of the most welcoming tweet Kavon got was from Zazzy, a camp counselor. The tweet read..
.. soon Kavon felt more welcome than she did before and she was settling in safely to camp. So she thought. Soon after an uninvited guess came into the camp. No one knew who this person was at first, but the Camp Counselors stepped in and handled the problem. But Kavon felt very weird about it. How did an unknown guest just sneak into camp? Was she really safe here at Camp Magic MacGuffin?
Kavon tried her best to let the unknown man situation go, but for some reason she couldn’t! She felt as if the man was coming to get her. “Maybe that is the reason why mom sent me here?” “Maybe he is after my family?” “Maybe he came here to kill me” All of these thoughts ran through Kavon’s head. She could have been overreacting, but something wasn’t sitting well with her at all.
She wanted to tell someone about her suspicion but she didn’t want people to think she was crazy. If she would be able to tell anyone it would be her bunk mates. Kavon was assigned to Bunkhouse 3 also known as the naked lunch bunch. She was close to a lot of people in her bunkhouse but was especially close to a girl named Marcey.
Marcey is the girl in the pinkish shirt, holding a dog. Kavon then confided in Marcey and told her how she had never been to camp before, how her mom all of a sudden sent her, and how she thinks the strange uninvited guest was there to get her. Marcey believed Kavon but had a few doubts. Marcey told Kavon that if anymore strange people came into camp they would notify the Camp Counselors about Kavon’s suspensions.
For about 2 week camp was going fine. Everyone was beginning to get really close and the fun was really starting. Kavon had soon forgot about the strange uninvited guest and was making herself at home at camp. One night as Kavon was walking back to her bunk house she heard something in the woods. Like someone was walking.
Kavon ran into the bunkhouse as fast as she could and told Marcey that something had spooked her. Marcey explained that they were at camp and a lot of animals come out at night and they should should not be worried. Then Marcey mention how she had heard that Zazzy had gotten sick from food at camp. Did someone know that Zazzy was sharing food with Kavon and tried to poison her. Kavon was really worried now.
The next day a camp there was a new person there. No one knew his name at first but he came out of no where. Kavon told Marcey about this new unidentified man and that it could be someone else there to harm her. This time Marcey was ready to act. But she first had to check out this “new guy” to see what he was all about. They soon figured out his name was “Slide Guy” and Kavon wondered where he got that name from. Slide Guy was seen all over camp, but he never got too close to Kavon. Slide Guy did do a lot of weird things but he seemed so happy. As if he would not harm a fly. Kavon did start to notice that Slide Guy was getting close to Marcey.
During the middle of Camp, all the campers had to come together to do a radio show. Kavon wanted to work with Marcey on the radio show, like always, but for some reason when Kavon went to her bunkhouse Marcey wasn’t there. Kavon wasn’t really worried because Marcey was very busy around the camp. So that night Kavon attended a fire side chat with the campers. She thought that Marcey would be there, but she wasn’t. Again, Kavon didn’t worry about it she just thought Marcey was skipping out on the chat to do something more important. Kavon started asking other people if they had seen Marcey and no one had. Kavon then noticed that Slide Guy had disappeared as well. She ran and told her Camp Counselors about what had happened and they made this video.
Kavon knew for a fact that someone was out to get her now. Slide Guy could not get close to Kavon so he took the next best thing; her camp buddy. Kavon was in a uproar, she was scared to go out of the bunk, she was scared to be alone, she was scared to eat, she was even scared to do assignments at camp. People were out to get Kavon and her family knew about it. They sent her there to protect her, but she ending up bringing harm to a friend. Why were these people after her and why did they want to harm her?
As camp was coming to an end Kavon heard this strange noise in her bunk. This was the noise..
.. the whole bunk woke up to find someone trying to take Kavon. The bunk house fought back and come to find out it was Slide Guy returning Marcey. He was making this noise because he had gotten all of his teeth pulled and couldn’t speak correctly. Come to find out the people were not trying to harm Kavon nor her family. The were a private investigation group trying to get background information on her for a job she had applied for. She was so happy she didn’t know what to do with herself. The Camp Counselors had one more assignment for Kavon to do. It was called Pause [Four] A Moment. Kavon took a picture of herself when she figured out that she, her family, and her friend were safe and she knew she would remember that moment and Camp Magic MacGuffin FOREVER!
Camp is now over (see the final story. If you are craving an experience like this, head over to ds106 and see how to participate. For more on the Summer of Magic Macguffin, see.....
