To avoid putting all of my eggs in one basket, I decided to try to design a website portfolio in addition to the Acrobat 9. I wanted to submit both to see which one Michael prefers more. I only wish I would have started working on the website weeks ago because now that the semester is coming to an end and I don't have the result I hoped for, I feel like I'm stuck with what I've been working on.
I've taken another look at my work so far this semester and I really think I did an outstanding job with my portfolio. I think I have a great foundation to build on for the upcoming MWTC Capstone project.
This semester has been a tremendous learning experience for me and I'm grateful for the opportunity to have learned as much as I did.
Until next time,
Stacy
Monday, April 26, 2010
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Project Report - Week Thirteen
Thinking...thinking...thinking...
I've browsed the portfolio projects of a few classmates and I'm afraid that I'm off base. I'm thinking...thinking...thinking if I should do something else or change the final output of my portfolio.
I really like the idea of a website, so I may browse a few websites to see if I can create the design that I envision. If so, I'll make the switch from Acrobat 9, otherwise, I'll just stick with what I have.
I haven't received much feedback on any elements that I am missing, but I think I'll include an About Me section and maybe a few other design projects from TWC 411.
Hmm...I'm deep in thought about what else I can do.
Until next week (or maybe later this week),
Stacy
I've browsed the portfolio projects of a few classmates and I'm afraid that I'm off base. I'm thinking...thinking...thinking if I should do something else or change the final output of my portfolio.
I really like the idea of a website, so I may browse a few websites to see if I can create the design that I envision. If so, I'll make the switch from Acrobat 9, otherwise, I'll just stick with what I have.
I haven't received much feedback on any elements that I am missing, but I think I'll include an About Me section and maybe a few other design projects from TWC 411.
Hmm...I'm deep in thought about what else I can do.
Until next week (or maybe later this week),
Stacy
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Project Report, Week Twelve
This week was all about reflecting on my portfolio and why I've made certain content choices. Michael prompted us with the following question: "What have I really learned in school and at work, and how can I represent that?"
Here is my reflection:
Early Learning
Throughout high school and my first two years of college, I learned a lot about writing – or at least I thought I did. I have always had a love of English and writing has always been one of my strengths. Since I always earned good grades on my writing assignments, I naturally hoped to become a writer.
Changes in Career Path
After enrolling at ASU, I was accepted into the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism. However, after just one semester, I had change of heart and decided to get my degree in Technical Communications (TWC). Although I have always tried to keep writing a constant part of my life by blogging and freelance writing for New Dimensions and Shades of Blue magazines, this type of writing has become more of a hobby since I have taken a different career path.
Learning Technical Writing
Since declaring TWC as my major my outlook on writing drastically changed, I have learned a completely different writing style – technical writing. I truly feel that I have learned the most about technical writing from my TWC courses during the 2009-2010 school year.
TWC 401: Principles of Technical Communications
In this course, I learned the art of writing in Plain English. My first assignment was to write a technical autobiography in which I had to take a look at technology throughout my childhood and document how it influenced my writing. Next, I worked in a small group to write a feasibility report about the use of Knowledge and Distributed Intelligence (KDI) for research in science and engineering fields. Lastly, I wrote a proposal to Blue Cross Blue Shield of AZ (BCBSAZ) to suggest the use of Kindle Readers to improve workplace efficiencies. The professor used each assignment as a learning opportunity to experience what a career in technical writing might involve. I think it is important to include these documents in my portfolio because they show my abilities as a student and also show a potential employer that I have had some experience in writing proposals and usability/feasibility reports.
TWC 411: Principles of Visual Communications
In this course I learned about the design elements that make or break a document. The four basic principles were CRAP – Contrast, Repetition, Alignment, and Proximity. Everything that was done in this class was designed around these principles. My projects that I decided to include in the portfolio are the Legacy Ladies Conference flyer and brochure. They were designed as advertisements that my church will use to promote the annual conference. Displaying these documents in the portfolio will help employers see how I might design a marketing tool.
TWC 421: Writing with Technology
This course has been beneficial for me to learn how to put all of these elements together to create a portfolio. I learned important organizational tools and my self-paced schedule helps keep me from feeling overwhelmed. As an end result, my portfolio will be used for graduate school admissions as well as future employment opportunities.
Michael asked me to explain the differences in journalism and technical communications. I stopped to think for a minute and realized that journalism is a form of technical communications. Journalistic writing, has to follow a certain guidelines related to content, tone, and format. The articles that are written are geared towards a specific audience as is technical writing.
Journalism is more appealing to some writers because it allows the author to write freely adding both facts and opinion to the story. Technical writing is all about "how-to" documentation which is very calculated, detailed and needs to be concise.
Because I am a true writer at heart, I love both forms. I plan to be a technical writer in my career but a freelance magazine writer as a hobby. :-)
Until next week...
Stacy
Here is my reflection:
Early Learning
Throughout high school and my first two years of college, I learned a lot about writing – or at least I thought I did. I have always had a love of English and writing has always been one of my strengths. Since I always earned good grades on my writing assignments, I naturally hoped to become a writer.
Changes in Career Path
After enrolling at ASU, I was accepted into the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism. However, after just one semester, I had change of heart and decided to get my degree in Technical Communications (TWC). Although I have always tried to keep writing a constant part of my life by blogging and freelance writing for New Dimensions and Shades of Blue magazines, this type of writing has become more of a hobby since I have taken a different career path.
Learning Technical Writing
Since declaring TWC as my major my outlook on writing drastically changed, I have learned a completely different writing style – technical writing. I truly feel that I have learned the most about technical writing from my TWC courses during the 2009-2010 school year.
TWC 401: Principles of Technical Communications
In this course, I learned the art of writing in Plain English. My first assignment was to write a technical autobiography in which I had to take a look at technology throughout my childhood and document how it influenced my writing. Next, I worked in a small group to write a feasibility report about the use of Knowledge and Distributed Intelligence (KDI) for research in science and engineering fields. Lastly, I wrote a proposal to Blue Cross Blue Shield of AZ (BCBSAZ) to suggest the use of Kindle Readers to improve workplace efficiencies. The professor used each assignment as a learning opportunity to experience what a career in technical writing might involve. I think it is important to include these documents in my portfolio because they show my abilities as a student and also show a potential employer that I have had some experience in writing proposals and usability/feasibility reports.
TWC 411: Principles of Visual Communications
In this course I learned about the design elements that make or break a document. The four basic principles were CRAP – Contrast, Repetition, Alignment, and Proximity. Everything that was done in this class was designed around these principles. My projects that I decided to include in the portfolio are the Legacy Ladies Conference flyer and brochure. They were designed as advertisements that my church will use to promote the annual conference. Displaying these documents in the portfolio will help employers see how I might design a marketing tool.
TWC 421: Writing with Technology
This course has been beneficial for me to learn how to put all of these elements together to create a portfolio. I learned important organizational tools and my self-paced schedule helps keep me from feeling overwhelmed. As an end result, my portfolio will be used for graduate school admissions as well as future employment opportunities.
Michael asked me to explain the differences in journalism and technical communications. I stopped to think for a minute and realized that journalism is a form of technical communications. Journalistic writing, has to follow a certain guidelines related to content, tone, and format. The articles that are written are geared towards a specific audience as is technical writing.
Journalism is more appealing to some writers because it allows the author to write freely adding both facts and opinion to the story. Technical writing is all about "how-to" documentation which is very calculated, detailed and needs to be concise.
Because I am a true writer at heart, I love both forms. I plan to be a technical writer in my career but a freelance magazine writer as a hobby. :-)
Until next week...
Stacy
Monday, April 5, 2010
Project Report, Week Eleven
Well, I received some feeback from Michael on my problems with Acrobat 9 and ultimately, I think I should consider going at it (even if that means changing the design). I really liked the layout and design options the program offered, I was just trying to keep from changing my design that much.
Going back to the drawing board at this late stage in the game is discouraging; I was hoping to be further along in the process by now. Next week proves to be challenging as I start to dig deeper into fitting the puzzle pieces of Acrobat 9 together.
Until next week...
Stacy
Going back to the drawing board at this late stage in the game is discouraging; I was hoping to be further along in the process by now. Next week proves to be challenging as I start to dig deeper into fitting the puzzle pieces of Acrobat 9 together.
Until next week...
Stacy
Monday, March 29, 2010
Project Report, Week Ten
Well, this week I dove into Acrobat 9 to start converting my portfolio to an online version. I must say I felt a little frustrated with the process. Don't get me wrong, I love the site as a tool to create awesome looking portfolio files, but for someone like me who already has one created and just wants to convert it - it's not so fun. :-(
Next week, I plan to continue practicing with Acrobat 9 to see if I can make it do what I want it to do. Otherwise, my final output may end up being a PDF document.
Until next week...
Stacy
Next week, I plan to continue practicing with Acrobat 9 to see if I can make it do what I want it to do. Otherwise, my final output may end up being a PDF document.
Until next week...
Stacy
Friday, March 19, 2010
Project Report, Week Nine
Last week I completed the editorial review for my portfolio to date and I received some positive feedback from classmates. It was challenging to decide exactly what to include in the review. I almost decided to create an entirely new document in the form of a webpage for review.
According to the course website, next week's assignments are still to be determined. I plan to start researching web services and browsing format options for my portfolio. Although I initially wanted to present it as a PDF, some think it may be nicer as a website.
I will review the recommendations that were made by Prof. Moore regarding setting up the webpage design and start making progress in that direction this week and next.
Until next week,
Stacy
According to the course website, next week's assignments are still to be determined. I plan to start researching web services and browsing format options for my portfolio. Although I initially wanted to present it as a PDF, some think it may be nicer as a website.
I will review the recommendations that were made by Prof. Moore regarding setting up the webpage design and start making progress in that direction this week and next.
Until next week,
Stacy
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Project Report, Week Eight
My portfolio project is coming together nicely. Next week, I plan to focus on translating my design to the web design that I discussed a few weeks ago.
Aside from the portfolio project, this week proved to be a challenge as we addressed the copyright laws in class. I am not experienced with copyright but it is important to understand how to obtain permission and protect your work as well.
I plan to continue to read up on copyright laws in order to further gain understanding on what to do and what not to do...especially as I begin to post more of my work on the web.
Until next week,
Stacy
Aside from the portfolio project, this week proved to be a challenge as we addressed the copyright laws in class. I am not experienced with copyright but it is important to understand how to obtain permission and protect your work as well.
I plan to continue to read up on copyright laws in order to further gain understanding on what to do and what not to do...especially as I begin to post more of my work on the web.
Until next week,
Stacy
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Project Report, Week Seven
This week I posted some screen shots of my portfolio pages. Many of my enclosures are multiple pages long, so I reduced the size of the pages and did a screen shot of all 6 pages in one. I wasn't sure how this would work out in the event that someone actually wanted to read the material. I suppose they could always zoom the document to 200% and take a gander. Michael seemed to think it was OK the way it is - readers will be able to "see" what is written in layout form without actually reading all of the pages individually.
Next week, we are reading up on copyright laws and our self-paced portfolio progress will continue.
Until next week,
Stacy
Next week, we are reading up on copyright laws and our self-paced portfolio progress will continue.
Until next week,
Stacy
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Project Report, Week Six
Well, the portfolio prototype was a success! I ended up creating the layout for all 9 pages. It'll be easy to just add the screen shots from here. Over the next couple weeks, I'll need to decide which format I'd like to use for the final product. Michael suggested that I use Acrobat Pro 9 because there is a new portfolio feature that is supposed to be great. Here are the links:
-- http://www.layersmagazine.com/acrobat-9-creating-custom-portfolios.html
-- with examples: http://blogs.adobe.com/edtechatadobe/2009/02/use_adobe_acrobat_9_pro_to_cre.html
Next week, we are still working at our own pace but I will include a screen shot of one of my completed pages. I will also try out the Acrobat Pro 9 to see if I can incorporate my designs into the program.
I look forward to continuing my portfolio...so far so good!
-- http://www.layersmagazine.com/acrobat-9-creating-custom-portfolios.html
-- with examples: http://blogs.adobe.com/edtechatadobe/2009/02/use_adobe_acrobat_9_pro_to_cre.html
Next week, we are still working at our own pace but I will include a screen shot of one of my completed pages. I will also try out the Acrobat Pro 9 to see if I can incorporate my designs into the program.
I look forward to continuing my portfolio...so far so good!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Project Report, Week Five
This week I started the selection phase of the portfolio and put together my "Work Inventory." Since I'm a beginner, I don't have very many examples to use in my portfolio. Most of my work will be reports and proposals that I've done for my previous TWC courses.
So far, my Work Inventory or Table of Contents, will include:
Abstract
Introduction
Technical Autobiography
Knowledge and Distributed Intelligence Feasibility Report
Individual Proposal on the Usability of Kindle Readers in the Workplace
Legacy Ladies Conference Report
Conference Flyer
Conference Brochure
Resume
Next week, I start work on putting together the Project Prototype. My goals for next week are to gain an even better understanding of what I want my portfolio to be. I'm having difficulty conceptualizing it at this point although I know I want it to be comprised of written text and some of my design elements as well.
Well, see how things go over the next few days. I think I may go online and take a look at what past TWC students and graduates have done for their Capstone portfolios. That may help jog my thought process.
Until next week...
~Stacy
So far, my Work Inventory or Table of Contents, will include:
Abstract
Introduction
Technical Autobiography
Knowledge and Distributed Intelligence Feasibility Report
Individual Proposal on the Usability of Kindle Readers in the Workplace
Legacy Ladies Conference Report
Conference Flyer
Conference Brochure
Resume
Next week, I start work on putting together the Project Prototype. My goals for next week are to gain an even better understanding of what I want my portfolio to be. I'm having difficulty conceptualizing it at this point although I know I want it to be comprised of written text and some of my design elements as well.
Well, see how things go over the next few days. I think I may go online and take a look at what past TWC students and graduates have done for their Capstone portfolios. That may help jog my thought process.
Until next week...
~Stacy
Friday, February 5, 2010
Project Report, Week Four
Last week I created my portfolio proposal. It was the first step for me to start putting my thoughts down on paper. Because I have never created or formatted a portfolio, I feel like I'm going into this blindly. It helps that Professor Moore is great at making me feel comfortable enough to ask questions and he has provided me with some great examples of another student's work to guide me.
I still have some unanswered questions about what my portfolio should look like, what pieces to include, how long each example should be etc., so hopefully I'll get some of those hazy areas cleared up over the next week as I begin the "Selection" section of the project.
Next week, I hope to finalize the list of pieces that I will include in the portfolio as well as decide on the format and layout.
~Stacy
I still have some unanswered questions about what my portfolio should look like, what pieces to include, how long each example should be etc., so hopefully I'll get some of those hazy areas cleared up over the next week as I begin the "Selection" section of the project.
Next week, I hope to finalize the list of pieces that I will include in the portfolio as well as decide on the format and layout.
~Stacy
Monday, January 25, 2010
Option #3: Design a Professional Portfolio
Last night I posted my thoughts on Blackboard about project option #3. I'm really excited about FINALLY designing my professional portfolio (I've wanted to get started on this for over a year now)! :-)
Prof. Moore gave me some really good feedback and some great tips on how to get started. He suggested that I use the following five-step process spread out over the semester:
• Selection
• Design
• Reflection
• Assessment
• Presentation
I plan to take the next few days to really hash-out my thoughts on the process, get organized, and think about what will be involved over the next several weeks.
We'll see how it goes...
~Stacy
Prof. Moore gave me some really good feedback and some great tips on how to get started. He suggested that I use the following five-step process spread out over the semester:
• Selection
• Design
• Reflection
• Assessment
• Presentation
I plan to take the next few days to really hash-out my thoughts on the process, get organized, and think about what will be involved over the next several weeks.
We'll see how it goes...
~Stacy
Let the Project Begin!
Hey there!
Thanks for stopping by to view my latest blog, Writing with Technology. I am excited to use this blog to document my project progress over the next several weeks.
"See" you soon! :-)
TTYL,
Stacy
Thanks for stopping by to view my latest blog, Writing with Technology. I am excited to use this blog to document my project progress over the next several weeks.
"See" you soon! :-)
TTYL,
Stacy
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