PR7

For project 7 we had to create a flash portfolio of our very own. This project was the easiest we've had since the spring semester started because all it had to include was basically an index of all the flash labs we had completed. The only challenging part was the making of the video for me that I am camera shy and had to go over many attempts to finally come up with the one I was most comfortable with. To know how I uploaded the video into flash you can go view my lab 30 reflection where I also give you a couple things you should do previous to the making. I also explain how to do the cue points to make the popouts and the popins show up. The project had to be a list of the labs we had done. The aim was to link the url to each one of the buttons so it will directly go to the original website. The code to do so is provided to you by code snippets right under the actions panel. All you have to change is the instance name and plug in the url.  This project will be useful for the future in that now i know how to make an index portfolio not only using dreamweaver but using adobe flash cs6 as well to have better sources of navigation.

PR 6

For Project 6 we had to create a video game of our own. My video game is pretty simple due to the fact that you have to do nothing but avoid the obstacles in order to win. The audience my game is directed to is probably children only. My game takes concentration because you need to make sure you don't entirely touch the trees or else you lose meaning your boss will fire you for being late. I would suggest you use the arrows given as well as your keyboard arrows to get it to the right spot. I used several codes to make sure the object moved with the keyboard arrows and with the arrows provided. I believe the graphics were the hardest part of the project because it took me the longest and overall I wanted them to be attractive and call the audience's attention. There wasn't really an easy part because it was hard to make sure the coding was good and corrected with no errors at all. http://techteach.us/DD2015/SAshley/Projects/PR6/PR6_AshleyS_DD.html

LAB 30

For lab 30 we had to create popouts and popins to our flash portfolio video. The hardest part of this lab was to actually import the video because the original was saved as either a MP4 file or MOV which is not supported by adobe flash cs6. Personally I used Adobe encoder to convert the file to an flv. Afterwards I simply added the exact time of the points and linked the symbols with the proper instance name making sure they were movie clips or else there is no way they could be found.  I would suggest you write down the exact second you want the popout to show and the instance name simply to make the process easier and faster. The easiest part of this lab was to do the layout and symbols. I believe this lab will help me complete future programs with the knowledge of now knowing how to add something that will call the readers attention to a video.

LAB 29

Lab 29 was a self introduction to what would be out flash portfolio. The video had to be about our experience during these two years at the visual and digital design academy. I was told to talk about the programs I used and what I used them for. In my video I included programs like dreamweaver which was the main, also flash, photoshop, filezilla, and text edit. To upload this video I simply changed the extension from MOV to FLV using adobe encoder and then simply inserting it.

LAB 28

Lab 28 was basically just so we would learn the uses of the bone tool with flash. To do this lab all you need  is to have an image you want to animate. Once you have it you make sure you convert it into a symbol and select the movie clip option. The image has to have duplicated images after each other. Select the bone tool and click over each one of the objects. Then you simply let go of it and using the selection tool you are allowed to move it around with an almost skeletal shape. To animate it you just add a keyframe to the timelime and move it as you go. This lab will help me make an image or perhaps another interactive story look better. Now I prefer animating using the bone tool because you have free control of the image which can look like it is duplicating itself as it goes when in reality it is just a bunch of images together.

Self Evaluation

My grade for this marking period was not what I expected it to be. I believe I could have done better than my final grade which at this point is in the mid seventies. I could have finished the project we had and submit it but what stopped me was the fact that I needed help and I recognize my mistake I should have asked for it. In the good side it was a lesson I learnt. In another good side Mrs. Ramirez gave us many opportunities to improve our grades like the soft skills short assignments that little by little brought up my grade. I did a good job doing the reflection journals right after I had finished the labs. Also trying to improve to each one of the labs as I did them small details like making sure the colors went good along each other and that my reflection had no grammar mistakes which has helped a lot. To improve my grade I plan to actually put in a lot of effort to each one of my labs and this time actually asking for help if I get stuck on something that was not so clear to me. My goal is to back to at least the first 15 within the rankings. Another thing I can do is taking the after school opportunities offered to me.

Soft Skills- Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

This skill could help when going through tough situations but not being able to find the right way to solve them with an adequate attitude. Well this topic could have something to do with mood swings or learning how to be patient and taking things easy. Thinking about it before doing it because one mistake can ruin your professional career. It will also help you in your job, your manager will be  proud of you if you show him/her that you are able to take initiative at all times and can be independent. Some things an employee should show is that he/she is able to think on their feet, control problems and find solutions correctly. To think creatively and with creativity. That the employee is able to share ideas, opinions and thoughts without overreacting if others don't agree. Most importantly that they can use good judgement with no other offense needed. Employers are looking for the ability of you knowing how to find answers when the situations gets critical, they want to see whether you can take lead and actually initiate the process to solve any kind of problem or contribute if it becomes worse.

Soft Skills- Synopsis

Synopsis is  the one that concludes all of the rest. It basically includes all the skills needed to get ready for an interview. It's all about keeping enthusiasm and maintaining a positive mind that will lead you to open opportunities. Communication as well because it is the main purpose of why you are on the position you are in and want to show the rest what you've got. But someone is not just going to hire you for that but also because you got other skills such as knowing how to work as a team. They are looking for people that likes to share ideas and responsibilities with others and will give credit to their team. As a last thing all they are looking for is professionalism, which basically is dressing properly, be respectful and be prepare among others. Synopsis it's the one that contains the development of any other skill you will need to grow as a person and as a worker. The company you are working on will see that you have been showing respect since day one and are still improving to become a better person. 

Soft Skills Enthusiasm & Attitude

Enthusiasm and attitude is at least more than half of what the person that is hiring you wants. This includes being on the appointment in time, good business attire and having your material ready. It will not be hard proving your employer that you are willing to go for it and show this person that you are always going to have a good attitude and positive thinking towards succeeding.The key is always the amount of enthusiasm you show, it is important to show it not just at the interview appointment so they will take you, but it should be constantly used to become a better employee. The attitude always counts. If you show up to work with a bad attitude do not expect your employer to take it right or to simply ignore it. Employers will look up to detail and test you in many ways to make sure you are worth the spot on their company. No matter the situation you are going through you will always have to be respectful to others so you can receive the same amount of respect back or receive a hand when you need it the most.

Soft Skills- Communication

Communication skill is probably one of the most important skills that must be shown during an interview and at all times during a work day. It is important because you show the listener that you are the type of person that gives clear detail about a certain topic, that likes to share ideas and also the type of person that talks with respect and uses permitted vocabulary so that certainly tells a lot about your personality. The employer wants to make sure that you are able to communicate information as well as receiving it. Communication is one of the skills that should be used the most because it helps you share your ideas for the next project, helps you express yourself so that others could use your ideas and make you part of the teamwork. It is important because that way we can show the employers that you are able to use this skills in many ways specially it proves how relevant you are for their company, you might as well get a promotion or constantly become the employee of the month all for knowing how to correctly express yourself.

Soft Skills- Teamwork

Teamwork will always be considered as the most valuable skill for most of your partners at your job. It is important that when doing a project, presentation or just a simple work given to you, that you give credit to every single person that helped you no matter if the help was a little or way too much. But it is also important that the person that is trying to help you has good intentions on helping and has the same goals as you. Such goals may include wanting to succeed as an employee, and always having a positive mind. It is really important to share the credit because when everyone works together, more things get accomplished and everyone gets benefited in different ways. This skill is useful in web design because it is essential to succeed as a good employee. This skill should  be used everywhere, in a way make you a better person and a reliable one. A person that knows how to share the value of effort and it really isn't selfish is any way it's valuable and worth keeping. Teamwork means coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress and working together is success.  

Soft Skills- Professionalism

Professionalism is a source of succeeding during an interview for many reliable reasons. You want to be hire based on how you take control of what you are left in charge of and how you take responsibility of your work showing that you are taking things serious like getting to work on time. Another thing you can do is take initiative, don't just do what you are being told to but if you know that you can do something else to improve your working day then go ahead and make your manager proud of having a person like you on their company. The main skills they will be looking for aren't just skills you will show during the interview and first few days, throughout the time you will have to show that you are able to conduct yourself with responsibility, integrity and excellence. It really is all about being productive as well. 

This skill relates to web design in that you will be able to develop this skill either trying to improve your work or start working on the next assignment. It teaches you that there is no time to waste. It teaches you to use your time wisely which at this point I've kind of leant how to but I am still in the process of development because in reality no one really stops learning. There is always a chance to become better.

LAB 27

http://techteach.us/DD2015/SAshley//Labs/LAB27/Lab27_SAshley_DD.html

Lab 27 was a small introduction to video games. For this lab we used Flash CS6. We first created our own arrows out of triangular shapes. We modified them so they would work from the computer's keyboard as well. To do this you simply go to code snippets and select animation, click on move with keyboard arrows. Afterwards I created the obstacles or what actually seem to be the way to either win or lose the game. The was a lot of ActionScript involved which seems to be really hard but in reality the computer does it all for you. All one has to do is replace the information such as different layers, frame numbers or even simple coordinates to indicate space. It really is a very tricky and sometimes complicated and delicated program because one has to make sure that there are no mistakes or any other piece of coding that can affect you entire work, even a semi colon could change everything.

Computer Science College Fair

The Computer Science College Fair was being held yesterday Thursday April the seventh along the apple academy at the Armory Track. The objective of this trip was to meet people from important and worldwide known companies and ask them about the requirements to get a job with them. It was a great opportunity because it is like a one time thing that we get the chance to attend to such important events. It was also a good chance to go over the different choices that we have so it could help us make smart decisions. The trip was a little bit stressful because combined with sophomores and one more academy all united we ended up being 120 students all along.  We took the subway and at several occasions the chaperones had to stop us and make sure we were complete which luckily we were. They served us with good lunch once we got there. Afterwards we went down and started the journey. Personally it was a useful chance for me because I finally decided the college I am aiming to get into after talking to one of the representatives. I hope many others students take advantage of these type of events because they are really useful in many levels.

New York Historical Society

The New York Historical Society event was one of the most interesting ones we've had as web designers. We first had a walk around central park going through many of its statues or fun facts which is incredible, not many people actually pay attention to detail or try to go deep into a simple thing.Once we had the chance to come into the building we went directly to what seem like a  mini cinema where we watched a movie about New York's history. Afterwards we went directly to the exposition along a really nice member of the society who explained many concepts and gladly answered our questions. The thing I found the most interesting was the very first face time machine, because it was very interesting the way it was used with pauses and the different functions that each little bottom had. Compared to today's technology there have been many major improvements. My favorite part of the trip was the movie because it had many details, sound effects and just the way it was conducted almost like a 3D movie. This trip is related to web design in that it involves computers and it is always a good idea to know about them from the beginning, meaning its ancient models and where it all started. I would highly recommend anyone to go for a visit because it really is an interesting place full of information and history.

LAB 26

For lab 26 we had to make a symbol move using arrows. Arrows that we created on our own as well as arrows from the keyboard. First step was to create triangles and convert them into graphic symbols. We eventually created the arrows using the triangles. We inserted a figure to use it as a sample in order for it to move. To do this we used ActionScript making the objects move along the mouse. To indicate direction the code label was nameoftheobject_obj.x-=10 and if you wanted to go the other way nameoftheobject_obj.y+=10. To create movement from the computers keyboard you simply go to code snippers, open navigation and chose move with keyboard arrows. The hardest part of the lab was to make sure that the code was written correctly with its proper camel style or else it wouldn't work. The easiest part was to create arrows and chose the proper functions.

LAB 25

http://techteach.us/DD2015/SAshley/Labs/LAB25/Lab25_SAshley_DD.html

For lab 25 we leaned more of actionScript 3.0 code. We basically created bottoms that made it seem like we were going from one page to another when in fact it was all optical vision because it was all on top of everything. The difference between syntax and semantic is that syntax is how the words are arranged in sentences and semantic is the linguistic meaning of words. It also uses camel case convention which makes it more challenging. In order to see your code in flash CS6 you click window and actions. This lab was hard because we had to carefully manage the code and make sure its camel case convention was properly typed or else it would have a totally different action. This lab will be useful for the future because now we know how to make webpages using flash and making it seem realistic.

LAB 24

http://techteach.us/DD2015/SAshley/Labs/LAB24/Lab24_SAshley_DD.html

For lab 24 we had to create an animation of a character moving across the screen and then stoping and thinking about their car ride. Using SWF from our previous lab and use mask techniques as the attached hand out. A mask is defined as a special type of layer that lets you select parts of another layer. To do this you first import an image to the working space, you create a layer named mask and using the drawing tools you select the area where you want the mask to be. Afterwards you right click and select mask from the menu. Then you test movie and you will notice that only the masked area is visible. As the last step you insert a classic tween motion at the 20th frame, you unlock the layer and text the movie once again. The hardest part as you can see was probably to resize it because the car would come all the way out but at the same thing it made it realistic because it would just show that the character had great imagination. 

LAB 23

For lab 23 was basically a review for the vector shapes and know how to animate options that we had gone over previously. Also it was an introduction to vanishing points. A vanishing point is a point in which receding parallel lines viewed in perspective appear to converge. Just like the car on the right vanishes while its getting further away meanwhile the car on the left grows bigger. We used Flash to do this lab selecting the objects and using right click to add a motion tween then I used the free transform tool to change the size. This lab will be useful for the future because now we have learnt a new skill for making an animation more interesting. The hardest part of this lab was to make the tween option so that it will look like the car was coming on a straight line. The easiest part was to create the horizon and other parts.
http://techteach.us/DD2015/SAshley/Labs/LAB23/Lab23_SAshley_DD.html

CTE EXPO

The CTE Expo was done yesterday Thursday march the 10th at the web design computer lab in room 237. The CTE program was all done for freshman students only so that we could encourage them to join this academy and during the process talk to them about all the activities we had done since the beginning. Also we had to tell them all the possible credits that they could get joining the academy including how they would get benefited from it. It all went with them coming in and some of us giving them informative brochures of the academy  and we then were directing them to some of our project and explained them what this all thing was about. The results from this gallery or walk were successful due to the fact that freshman students looked excited viewing our work and seem curious about it. Also because many of them as I could relate would want to compete for a spot out of three hundred students, so many of them would want to prove and take as a challenge the fact that they believe in themselves and would do the right thing to get into the academy. So it is a challenge worth taking.

This was a good experience because it feels nice knowing that you've helped some students decide what to do and talking them out of the choices they have. It was good for us as well because we had a chance to improve our communication skills with some students that were as shy as we were two years ago along with some teachers, counselors and even the principal. 

PR4

http://techteach.us/DD2015/SAshley/Projects/PR4/PR4_SAshley_DD.html

For project #4 we had to create a short animated movie clip with the topic of respect for all. I chose to do a clip that represented the respect for nature. People have been forgetting about nature throughout the time until they notice the consequences. Some go to public parks and start littering, others affect it with certain chemicals. This is a really strong topic to me because whenever there is a nice weather outside I would go out for a walk but it is really stressful to see that some people just don't respect their surroundings. I created the animation using Flash CS6. The first step was to plan out the animation and split them into scenes. Second step was to create symbols and convert them into movie clip type. Afterwards I started creating the movie into five different scenes to make the process easier. The hardest part of this project was to manage time within scenes and actually make sure that the viewer had a chance to read the dialogues. The easiest part was to chose a topic because nature actually means something to me and I would usually make my friends pick up their garbage whenever I see them littering.

LAB 21

http://techteach.us/DD2015/SAshley/Labs/LAB21/lab21_SAshley_DD.html

For lab 21 we had to convert symbols into movie clip for an animated short clip. To do this, you simply click the object and control right click to convert it to a symbol then you change the type to a movie clip. Afterwards you select the entire drawing and separate the objects into different layers. To make the process easier first select, then right click and select distribute layers. You can start animating after setting it to 30seconds.  This lab will be useful in creating animated advertisements for later on projects even for our careers.                      

LAB 20

For lab 20 we had to convert what we had created as symbols to buttons. To create buttons you select the image and control right click on it. Then select the type as button and use an original name. To make them move you simply double click on the now button and the timeline will change to four options as up, over, down and hit. You first insert a keyframe to hit which is the last one and then you continue as you may prefer. This lab will be useful for later on animations to buttons we might want to include to our own website. The tricky part is on trying to not put so much movement but at the same time aiming to catch the public's eye.

http://techteach.us/DD2015/SAshley/Labs/LAB20/lab20_SAshley_DD.html

Lab 16.5

http://techteach.us/DD2015/SAshley/Labs/LAB16.5/lab16.5_SAhley_DD.html

For lab 16.5 we had to create different pencils using the vector flash tools. First I downloaded an original pencil png and imported it to my flash file. Then using the vector shapes I drew two pencils. I used the rectangular shape tool, and the circle tool. To include detail I curved the edges and added styles to it will give it a realistic sense. Afterwards I inserted it into an html document with its corresponding layout. The main purpose of this lab was to practice how to make symbols using the tools so we could easily put effort on them.

LAB 19

http://techteach.us/DD2015/SAshley/Labs/LAB19/Lab19_SAshley_DD.html

For lab 19 we had to create graphic symbols, these included three animals, three objects, three plants and a last one of our choice using Flash. Once we created the image using the vector shapes using right click we would convert it to a symbol, then set the type as graphic. This lab was very helpful because now we know how to create animations without having to duplicate any images. Instead we would just drag the labeled figure to the work space and it would automatically appear as many times as you wanted to. Also because the symbols go directly to the library and it shows a little graphic of it before you drag it in.

LAB 18

http://techteach.us/DD2015/SAshley/Labs/LAB18/LAB18_SAshley%20_DD.html
For lab 18 we had to create happy faces using flash and add animation to each one of them. We basically created a movie clip selecting the mouth, eyes and eyebrows as graphic symbols so that later on there was no need to duplicate any images. Afterwards we inserted keyframes to different areas and saved the swf file. The final step was to add the file to an  html document with the corresponding layout using dreamweaver and upload it to the server.

LAB 15

http://techteach.us/DD2015/SAshley/Labs/LAB15/LAB15.html

For lab 15 we had to basically practice the different types of navigation bars so we could apply them to our next project and have a variety of ways to arrange it. In my opinion the easiest is the dropdown menu. This because it was easy to just add a bunch of useful links without having to limit yourself. I included my home portfolio page, labs, projects and blog to the user could see how navigable the bars are.

LAB 17

http://techteach.us/DD2015/SAshley/Labs/LAB17/LAB17_AshleyS_DD.htmlFor lab 17 we had to create a bouncing ball animation in flash then export the movies in 4 different speeds which were 15, 30 and 60fps. Then we inserted the 4 SWF files into a HTML document using dreamweaver. Afterwards we uploaded it to the server. For 17-2 we used the onion skin option and for 17-3 we added a tween to it. This lab will be useful for later projects because now we are more open to new options to express our creativity throughout animation skills.

Project 2

For project 2 we had to create a website about our favorite cartoon character that included the biography, process and the pictures from the sketched images to the final draft after the photoshop process. We used dreamweaver to complete this project linking pages and changing states. I chose handy manny because I do believe we have a lot in common. Starting from the constructing part since I was a kid I like fixing stuff and coming up with ideas to make something look better or by just making it work properly. Also because in the program this fictional character likes to help people specially the owner of a candy shop next to his business because he always tries to do things on his own but later on figures that he does need manny's help along his tools. So it proves the public the big idea of helping others, even if they don't ask you to do so and the benefits of working as a team.

LAB 11

Lab 11 was a review of what project 2 was going to be about. We put up to practice our skills to complete the project starting from different pages to sates and including the hotspots so we could link the bottoms to different pages. So it was basically a draft which I later on changed because I did not like the layout. This lab was useful because if I had a question or something I did not completely understand about dreamweaver it was the time to make sure it was clear.









http://techteach.us/DD2015/SAshley/Labs/LAB11/home.html

LAB 13

 For lab 13 we had to create a wordle for our favorite teacher. I think that for many of us the tricky part was to choose a favorite teacher. It was easy in my case. I chose my algebra teacher Mrs. Ringhauser. Using wordle.net I thought of a bunch of words that described her and then created the design having the opportunity to change them until I end up with the most appealing one. Afterwards I took a screenshot and inserted it to the lab html format. As a final step upload it to the web.


http://techteach.us/DD2015/SAshley/Labs/LAB13/LAB13.html

LAB 12

The purpose of lab 12 was to figure out our new years resolution. This lab was helpful for me because I did not have a resolution before I started the lab so I had to figure one out. I came up with two resolutions that mostly involved my education and being a better person myself. The first one was my plan to be more punctual and the second one to improve my grades. I used dreamweaver for this lab using the paragraph tags <p>.
The second part of this lab was challenging. We had to create different sites and servers for each lab and project as shown in the two pictures. This process is pretty simple by clicking manage sites then new site naming it, searching for the folder, then adding a server, filling in the ftp address, username, password and including all independent files names so the web will look for them. After that the next step is to test them and save. The final step for the lab was to screenshot and insert the images to the html file.
http://techteach.us/DD2015/SAshley/Labs/LAB12/LAB12.html