Tangible Learning in the 21st Century

Here is my finished project. My video discusses the usefulness of computer-controlled die cutting systems to allow educators and students the ability to turn 2-dimensional designs into 3-dimensional educational representations. Within the video I explain what computer-controlled die cutting systems are and how they are used. Additionally I provide a plethora of educationally relevant examples, including pop-up scientific diagrams, 3-d platonic solids, 3-d models and machine mechanisms, and dioramas. The intended audience is educators who wish to learn more about the educational uses of computer-controlled die cutting systems. This video could be effectively used online as a tool to gain awareness of such capabilities or it could be used as the focus for a workshop devoted to the topic.

CraftROBO rough draft part one

This is a rough draft of the first few minutes of my CraftROBO video project. I am concerned about the portions that contain the still images. I am worried that they the transitions are too "busy" or distracting. Alternatively, I think that a simplified version would be too boring. Thoughts? Suggestions? HELP!!!!!

GoAnimate.com: First try by utsweetheart

Like it? Create your own at GoAnimate.com. It's free and fun!

Craft Robo Demonstration with Captions

This is a video demonstration of how easy it is to use the Craft Robo computer-controlled die cutting system. The video was edited in Adobe Premiere Elements and captions were added using Camtasia Studio 6.

QUEST opening sequence example

This was created using animoto.

Opening Sequence with music and audio

This week I made some changes to the opening sequence of my project. The clips from the Matrix were not working as well as I had originally expected, so I cut it down to about 8 seconds of the binary code pouring down the screen. I then imported some still images of computer related things into Animoto and made a little "slideshow" which I placed after the Matrix video. The rest of the video is the same as last time, give or take a couple of seconds edited here and there in order to accommodate for timing.

The major changes for this assignment were the new title and the addition of music. I changed the plain title to a layer on top of a video clip of the craft robo in action. The music is called "Whiskey Breath" and was downloaded from www.freeplaymusic.com. I think it adds the upbeat feeling that I was hoping for...without being cheesy. I enjoyed editing the audio and video in Premiere Elements because I was able to edit the narration and the soundtrack separately while simultaneously viewing my video to check for timing. This was a huge help because it was so much easier than playing mathematician and editing audio separately in a program like Goldwave or Audacity AND THEN bringing it into the video editing program in hopes that it all works out.

Tentative Opening Sequence

This is a very rough version of what I hope to create for the opening sequence of my final project on the educational uses of paper engineering. I'm still working on the title and the first video transition, but the audio/script is what will be used for the final project.

How Pop-Ups Got Their "Pop" - 3 minute version

This video is a condensed version of a previous project about the history and evolution of paper engineering. It deals specifically with how pop-ups got their "pop". It is 3 minutes in length and was created using PhotoStory 3 and Movie Maker. All images and sources are properly cited in a report that was created during my coursework in CUIN 7358 during the fall 2008 semester.

Animoto Remix

With just one mouse click, I was able to remix my previous animoto video to create a whole new set of transitions. WOW!

Paper Engineering Intro

I created this 30 second video using Animoto, a free flash-based Web 2.0 tool. It has upgraded packages that allow you to create higher quality video with more file saving options. The free version allowed me to import 10 images, select a music track from their extensive library, and then in about 15 minutes it had mixed it all together to create this awesome video. The free version allows you to upload to YouTube, Blogger, and other online spaces with ease. This is an awesome way to add a little spice to a digital story or video. I plan on using something like this for the introduction to my final project.

Storyboard

For Assignment 4 I created a storyboard for my upcoming final project on educational uses of digital craft cutters. It outlines how we can implement digital craft cutters to encourage students to create digital designs on computers, use digital cutters to cut them, and then construct their finished product (such as pop-up cards or 3D models). Tangible hands-on activities like these can enhance learning and knowledge.

Screencasting with Camtasia

This is a brief tutorial I created on how to make reflected text using PhotoShop. The assignment was to use screencasting software to create a short educational screencast. I chose this topic because my students have been curious about how to create web graphics that look like they are reflective. It's very easy: 3 minutes to watch the tutorial and about 5 minutes to create.