An Outlook on e9

What Quarter 4 Looked Like...

For the fourth and final quarter of e9, we were assigned different teams to work with based around what our various personality types are (ones discussed in a previous post). Once situated with each other, and finishing introductions, we were to begin brainstorming a product, and other aspects associated with it, such as a logo and a slogan. Eventually, we had developed LI: Language Interpreter. It is a product that connects a pair of glasses to an earpiece, and can translate audible or written language into your ear, as well as speak to someone in an appropriate response to a situation. To complete everything from brainstorming to completing a full-blown website took my group the entirety of the time we had in class, as well as a couple of occasions where we had to come in during our lunch, or before school. Along the way however, was not easy, as we all had similar yet very different personalities and opinions. To cope with this we all threw our ideas or critique over something on the table, and worked around what we had. And when we did the introductions of our idea to the remainder of the class, we were given constructive feedback, ranging from questions that we never thought of, to what our product could look like. our group also critiqued each other, for example, I constantly asked what everybody else thought of for the website, and received information about a desired color, format, and even some minor spelling mistakes. Of course we couldn't change everything about our product, so we implemented what we felt would be the best for our progression through the quarter. Overall, I loved working on this projects, and I learned a lot about my specific strengths and weaknesses, as well as what everybody else was capable of in this specific environment. It forced us out of our comfort zones.

My Commercial:



In and Out of Class...

How I used my available time really depended upon what section I was on in a specific rotation for the duration of the project. During class times I was able to complete my web banner, editing a version of our commercial, be able to film the commercial, and brainstorm logo, word mark, and icon ideas that may have been implemented into our website. But there was always a chance to improve what I had done, and never a time when I couldn't ask others what their thoughts were, and what could be done to improve what had been laid out. So, much like before, I would go back into specific projects and edit, taking into mind what others had seen and felt. Outside of class can tend to be difficult in terms of improving my work as a student in the e-Communication program. What I did outside of class consisted of brainstorming different things that would portray our company, product or even what we stood for, being able to Hear the World, Your Way. I thought on several occasions a day about what could go well with what we looked for. And on several different occasions I was looking out to the world, and things just seemed to click. 

How I Have Improved...

Several years ago, when I had received my DS, it had sparked a series of chain events to bring me to where I am now. This was about when I was 8 or 9, and the only forms of technology I had really even thought of would be the T.V in my living room, and watching it until I got bored or it was time to do something else. That DS suddenly opened up to me what a video game was, even though I didn't know it at the time. Since then, I've wondered what was behind the scenes of most technological devices or forms of entertainment, from the animated shows I watched before my DS, the movies I have seen after, and my increasing collection of video games starting a couple years ago. I entered the e-Communication program knowing nothing of how to operate these new Adobe softwares (to me), other than how to log into them, and follow instructions to improve my skills in using them. with the occasional troubleshoot. As the year progressed, I learned that I was a Jack of All Trades, meaning I could do all sections or e-Comm, to the extent that I learned them this year. But I found animation and graphic design to be the most enjoyable of the four sections. I maximize my newly found strengths by thinking up of ways to go about doing a project before I actually touch the softwares, and putting myself into the shoes of somebody who would see it for the first time, enabling me to change it to what they would like.

What Still Needs Work...

This year I was tested to show myself what I was particularly good at in comparison to each of the four sections from this year. The main weaknesses I discovered were with figuring out the different layers of a website, and being able to shoot a quality video, while keeping it interesting. I find these to be rather minor when comparing them to this, my struggle to participate in groups events, brainstorming, or when I am peer editing somebody else"s work. Throughout quarter four I have been struggling greatly to open up. I luckily began to talk rather early in the process when taking into consideration other classes. But when improving upon this trait, I got help from my group to increase the amount of participation I had, and bring ideas out that I never really thought of before they were said aloud. 

What's Left to Say...

This quarter was amazing for me, I got to work in a group that pushed me out of my comfort zone, and I pushed my ideas to them for criticism, and improved my skills in all areas this quarter. If I was given the opportunity to edit one thing about the final project, it would be to place helpful reminders about certain deadlines, events, or maybe even tips for what each software does that others may have forgotten. My learning from this year is the amount of creativity it takes to make almost everything graphic, video, or animated. This gave me a greater appreciation for what I see, and how I have the opportunity to be learning all about it, and to be able to develop it. All I have left to say is that I am excited for what next year offers, and I thank all of my e9 instructors for a great first year in the        e-communication program!


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