Final Reflection.
Is it over already? Throughout this semester and this blog, I have learned so much about many internet based sites to help in my writing to make it more appealing, public, creative, and fun!
I was pleasantly surprised to know I was only familiar with just a few of the sights I was assigned to try, and I ended up liking a lot of them, especially the wordle! Not only was it my favorite post, I will definitely be using it long after I graduate, as well as the visual thesarus. Those items were the ones that stick out to me and ones I was excited to try and ecstactic to know about!
Also, having this assignment semester long without specific due dates, I was able to go at my pace, not feel rushed, and really be able to try all the items on the list, which made the assignment more enjoyable! When I received the assignment, I was dreading completing the tasks and writing about, I felt it was so uneccessary! However, now at the end, I am very glad for the "13 Things" because it opened me to valuable websites and tools for writing creatively as well as other tools to help familiarize me with the web, which is essential in this day in age. In short, although it was a long assignment, with some elements frustrating me, it was all together beneficial and fun to complete!
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Thing 12
Word Clouds.
Absolutely love this site! It took things I have written and made it look pretty and made me look at my writing in a different way. It made me think of what I was thinking when I was writing and the different words I use and how I utilize different descriptive words in my paper. In general, it was a pat on the back to myself since I felt, through this site, it looked as if my writing was very impressive and though provoking, especially my case analysis, which can be very boring and mundane to write.
In the real world, this could be a good brainstorming tool, but mostly, I would use it for personal use to help me in my writing; critiquing it, showing what I like, organize my thoughts, and make writing more fun!
Thing 11
Visual Thesaurus
Word: Travel
My favorites: locomote, move around, go, change of location, jaunt, trip
click: locomote, led to only 3 words, then I clicked move, opening an abundance of words: make a motion, alter, strike, live, displace, impress, actuate, propel, change, very, etc.
If the website were more visually appealing (i.e. bright colors, cool fonts, etc.) it would be perfect. I had fun plugging in words and seeing the words, a site I would consider using for future papers and letters, as I often hit the 'synonyms' button in Microsoft Word. The ability to just click other words and another web of words appears, amazing! Some words I would not have expected and probably would not be listed in a regualr thesarus. So basically, I found a new buddy for when I am writing and am having trouble coming up with words!
Word: Travel
My favorites: locomote, move around, go, change of location, jaunt, trip
click: locomote, led to only 3 words, then I clicked move, opening an abundance of words: make a motion, alter, strike, live, displace, impress, actuate, propel, change, very, etc.
If the website were more visually appealing (i.e. bright colors, cool fonts, etc.) it would be perfect. I had fun plugging in words and seeing the words, a site I would consider using for future papers and letters, as I often hit the 'synonyms' button in Microsoft Word. The ability to just click other words and another web of words appears, amazing! Some words I would not have expected and probably would not be listed in a regualr thesarus. So basically, I found a new buddy for when I am writing and am having trouble coming up with words!
Thing 10
Copyright Online.
I love the internet. I love to surf the web to find beautiful pictures, entertaining videos, and inspiration quotes. I also like to use them in things I create, such as post on my Facebook, or include in a class assignment, or even put my own spin on it and post it on the internet.
Creative Commons allows me to continue to use this, but also prevent me from getting in trouble from "using without permission," keeping me and the creator happy. Browsing their site, it seems that they are on the right track to allowing people to surf the internet without being afraid to use something posted, while still assuring the creators of things that their work will not be credited to someone else who "borrowed" it. I personally would allow pictures I have taken, or music I post be allowed through this site, that is, if I had any talent in that area. The only thing I could think of that I would not want people to use is personal pictures of me, my family, and friends. That is not for the public to use as they please, that is for my enjoyment personally. Other than that, I think what this site is trying to accomplish is great and is being well received in the public.
I love the internet. I love to surf the web to find beautiful pictures, entertaining videos, and inspiration quotes. I also like to use them in things I create, such as post on my Facebook, or include in a class assignment, or even put my own spin on it and post it on the internet.
Creative Commons allows me to continue to use this, but also prevent me from getting in trouble from "using without permission," keeping me and the creator happy. Browsing their site, it seems that they are on the right track to allowing people to surf the internet without being afraid to use something posted, while still assuring the creators of things that their work will not be credited to someone else who "borrowed" it. I personally would allow pictures I have taken, or music I post be allowed through this site, that is, if I had any talent in that area. The only thing I could think of that I would not want people to use is personal pictures of me, my family, and friends. That is not for the public to use as they please, that is for my enjoyment personally. Other than that, I think what this site is trying to accomplish is great and is being well received in the public.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Thing 9
Although the instructions for this post were quite detailed and thorough, utilizing Google Reader was still frustrating. The idea behind the application is well thought out and could be useful, but sometimes it is hard to find the icon to be able to access it as well as find the icon on other sites to be able to subscribe to it. Some of the blogs I follow have automatically put in on my Google Reader, while others I could not find a way to access the icon and subscribe to the blog of my classmates in addition to following them.
Putting the time to update and keep up with the application, it is a great way to keep up to date with different blogs in addition to accessing one's email. On the other hand, I believe following these different people, companies, etc. via twitter is much more relevant to me as I access that site more often and be more updated, especially in the professional aspect. As for personal use, it is easy to find the sites I have joined and people I have followed once I log on to email, and I have the option to catch up whenever I feel like. In short, Google Reader is a good idea, but something I find unnecessary.
Putting the time to update and keep up with the application, it is a great way to keep up to date with different blogs in addition to accessing one's email. On the other hand, I believe following these different people, companies, etc. via twitter is much more relevant to me as I access that site more often and be more updated, especially in the professional aspect. As for personal use, it is easy to find the sites I have joined and people I have followed once I log on to email, and I have the option to catch up whenever I feel like. In short, Google Reader is a good idea, but something I find unnecessary.
Thing 8
Delicious.com, another website to help me organize my abundance of bookmarks as well as have the opportunity to follow other people's bookmarks! New to the site, I am still learning the basics and finding it frustrating to add people and find it taxing that I seem to have to open another window to look at sites and have to copy and paste the links into my "stacks" if I do not wish to spending hours going through other people's stacks to find site I enjoy.
Personally, I much rather prefer my StumbleUpon account and how that site chooses different sites, pages, videos, and much more based on my interests and all I click is the "stumble" icon and either like the page or dislike the page that pops up; it is like a personal Google! I have found a multitude of sites that interest me that I would not have found through any other search engine. I have an abundance of sites, videos, pages, and pictures I have liked and have been able to share with my followers as well as get a chance to see the likes of who I am following. Keeping me occupied for hours and never getting bored, this site is educational and entertaining! If you are interested to follow me, my username is kcnarcelles! Happy Stumbling!
Personally, I much rather prefer my StumbleUpon account and how that site chooses different sites, pages, videos, and much more based on my interests and all I click is the "stumble" icon and either like the page or dislike the page that pops up; it is like a personal Google! I have found a multitude of sites that interest me that I would not have found through any other search engine. I have an abundance of sites, videos, pages, and pictures I have liked and have been able to share with my followers as well as get a chance to see the likes of who I am following. Keeping me occupied for hours and never getting bored, this site is educational and entertaining! If you are interested to follow me, my username is kcnarcelles! Happy Stumbling!
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Thing 7
TWITTER!
I am officially a twitter member, now what?
Learning the ins and outs of this social network, it is like a constant newsfeed of facebook updates.
Even with all the criticism people give it, it actually is a great way to stay up to date with multiple outlets; news, entertainments, sports, etc. Great PR, as you tweet, hashtag, and then people can do the same and retweet your tweet, showing how popular it is and that what you are saying is getting heard!
Even though I am a bigger, I see myself getting as involved this network as I am on Facebook, and will tweet more often as I get more comfortable with the whole experience. So follow me @littlekrishen!
I am officially a twitter member, now what?
Learning the ins and outs of this social network, it is like a constant newsfeed of facebook updates.
Even with all the criticism people give it, it actually is a great way to stay up to date with multiple outlets; news, entertainments, sports, etc. Great PR, as you tweet, hashtag, and then people can do the same and retweet your tweet, showing how popular it is and that what you are saying is getting heard!
Even though I am a bigger, I see myself getting as involved this network as I am on Facebook, and will tweet more often as I get more comfortable with the whole experience. So follow me @littlekrishen!
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Thing 6
TO FOLLOW BLOGS AND TAG MY OWN POSTS.
1. It is great to follow others, so I can see what they are thinking and their opinions and views on subjects I am writing about, as well as gain insight on who they are as a person.
I am able to comment and give them feedback, so they feel that they are being heard and not just talking to air; and as people, we all love to be heard and appreciated.
2. Speaking of comments, professional bloggers find it very helpful to hear from their customes/fans/critics. It gives them instant feedback on how to improve their site/company/etc., as well as reply immediately to the needs of those they are serving. It is a great and efficient way of communication and should be utilized often.
3. As for tagging, it is just another helper in my organizing as well as finding certain topics quickly and easily. It did not even occur to me such a thing was possible; you learn new things everyday!
1. It is great to follow others, so I can see what they are thinking and their opinions and views on subjects I am writing about, as well as gain insight on who they are as a person.
I am able to comment and give them feedback, so they feel that they are being heard and not just talking to air; and as people, we all love to be heard and appreciated.
2. Speaking of comments, professional bloggers find it very helpful to hear from their customes/fans/critics. It gives them instant feedback on how to improve their site/company/etc., as well as reply immediately to the needs of those they are serving. It is a great and efficient way of communication and should be utilized often.
3. As for tagging, it is just another helper in my organizing as well as finding certain topics quickly and easily. It did not even occur to me such a thing was possible; you learn new things everyday!
Thing 5
MIND MAPPING.
As much as technology is taking over the job of pens and papers, brainstorming for me is done best using the good ole black ink and paper cutting weapon. It is just so much easier to edit, write how I want to, and scribble and add those personal touches and organizational quirks I can only do and a computer can only dream about.
This is a much neater way of showing my train of thought and could be of use durng team projects, as everyone can place their input and everyone would be able to see how everyone is thinking in a much more professional manner. I enjoyed the little bubbles and creating a web of the thoughts running through my head, even though it got annoying to press certain keys to add bubbles and having to save constantly. Good try technology, but you have nothing on my pen and paper when it comes to brainstorming!
Thing 4
Wikis.
A website created to be changed. To be visited and edited multiple times by multiple people. A place people go for information, clarify information, and spread knowledge to one another through the masses.
For a wiki to be successful in my opinion, people must have a genuine interest at heart. They want to strive to give accurate information, BS is not allowed. Everyone needs to hold themselves and others accountable because people who visit these sites believe what it there, so if the information is inaccurate, chaos can ensue if millions of people are believing lies.
Personally, I have never made a wiki, but I am a frequent visitor to wikipedia and I do find it a credible and reliable source of information. For me, collaborative work was creating an advertising plan with a team; creating our goals, actual advertisements, researching the market, and developing and writing an entire plan to achieve the goals we set for our company. Collaborative work is a team effort, without one, the whole process collapses.
On the Wiki for class, Here is my advice to writers:
Writing is essential. Plain and simple.
When it comes to writing, my advice is to simple start visualizing what you want to say in your mind. It also helps to get inspiration from other's views on topics, looking at different sites online, and browsing through pictures that mean something to you, whether they be from an album or a book, etc.
There must be some feeling when writing, because you want to make an impression on the reader. If you do not feel anything while you are writing, it is just simply words on a paper, how is the reader suppose to be engaged in your piece of writing?
To put it simply. VISUAL what is it you want to write about and FEEL when you are writing. With both, it is much easier to have a flow and mood to your writing, which will the reader will be able to tell.
Below is a link to help you find inspiration to your writing, to help you visualize your piece and garner feeling for what you are to write about:
http://writetodone.com/2008/03/03/31-ways-to-find-inspiration-for-your-writing/
A website created to be changed. To be visited and edited multiple times by multiple people. A place people go for information, clarify information, and spread knowledge to one another through the masses.
For a wiki to be successful in my opinion, people must have a genuine interest at heart. They want to strive to give accurate information, BS is not allowed. Everyone needs to hold themselves and others accountable because people who visit these sites believe what it there, so if the information is inaccurate, chaos can ensue if millions of people are believing lies.
Personally, I have never made a wiki, but I am a frequent visitor to wikipedia and I do find it a credible and reliable source of information. For me, collaborative work was creating an advertising plan with a team; creating our goals, actual advertisements, researching the market, and developing and writing an entire plan to achieve the goals we set for our company. Collaborative work is a team effort, without one, the whole process collapses.
On the Wiki for class, Here is my advice to writers:
Writing is essential. Plain and simple.
When it comes to writing, my advice is to simple start visualizing what you want to say in your mind. It also helps to get inspiration from other's views on topics, looking at different sites online, and browsing through pictures that mean something to you, whether they be from an album or a book, etc.
There must be some feeling when writing, because you want to make an impression on the reader. If you do not feel anything while you are writing, it is just simply words on a paper, how is the reader suppose to be engaged in your piece of writing?
To put it simply. VISUAL what is it you want to write about and FEEL when you are writing. With both, it is much easier to have a flow and mood to your writing, which will the reader will be able to tell.
Below is a link to help you find inspiration to your writing, to help you visualize your piece and garner feeling for what you are to write about:
http://writetodone.com/2008/03/03/31-ways-to-find-inspiration-for-your-writing/
Thing Three
For my first mashup, I thought it was rather fun! It gave me the freedom to be creative and show my trip to Australia in a way I could not have done if I merely just wrote about it or posted a picture. Having the ability to freely move pictures and videos and posting text wherever my little heart desired was very pleasing and I would not mind making for of them for future assignments!
Compared to merely writing a story, mashups can put a visual to the story one is trying to tell and also, it is more attention grabbing as people are more inclined to notice visually appealing items than written. A picture is worth a thousand words right?
On the other hand, without some sort of text or story, some people can come up with their own story and totally misunderstand what the writer is actually trying to portray, ruining the point of the mash up in the first place.
Overall, althought mashups should be used in stories and/or instead of stories, it should be used, like most things, with caution and in moderation.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Thing Two
A Rugged Iowan or a Dreamboat?
During my sophomore year at Coe College, to promote an event on campus, myself and a few friends created a funny promotional video to spread the word!
Got A Lot of Time on Your Hands?
There is a great site to check out that is like a personalize Google search called StumbleUpon
As I was on StumbleUpon, I came across a very cute picture with such an inspirational quote attached to it that I had to share!
During my sophomore year at Coe College, to promote an event on campus, myself and a few friends created a funny promotional video to spread the word!
Got A Lot of Time on Your Hands?
There is a great site to check out that is like a personalize Google search called StumbleUpon
As I was on StumbleUpon, I came across a very cute picture with such an inspirational quote attached to it that I had to share!
Friday, February 3, 2012
Thing One
As a full time college student, the Web is something I heavily rely on in my day to day life. From researching material for class to updating my Facebook, I am never too far from the internet. On my smartphone, I am constantly synced into my emails, Facebook account, and endless apps I have downloaded, making my phone an essential part in my everyday life. With the ease of having the Web on the go, it is so easy to always be connected and be updated on my friends and family's life as well as current events. Facebook and email notification, phone updates, and text messages are just a few of the things that keep my phone always buzzing. Thinking about it, it seems like I am very dependent on the Web and would be lost if the connection were severed.
That led me to think, what makes the Web so addictive? How did I come to depend on it so much? It is such an easy place to find people, information, and anything the mind thinks up; how does the Web manage to always have an answer to what I am thinking and what I am looking for? Such a vast domain, is there no limit to what the Web can accomplish?
That led me to think, what makes the Web so addictive? How did I come to depend on it so much? It is such an easy place to find people, information, and anything the mind thinks up; how does the Web manage to always have an answer to what I am thinking and what I am looking for? Such a vast domain, is there no limit to what the Web can accomplish?
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