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

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

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

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

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!

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

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