Discussion for Week 15

If you have already given your second persuasive presentation, use this time to reflect on the differences between your first and second presentations. Was this one easier? Harder? What choices did you make in terms of topic, references, and visuals? If you haven't yet given your final presentation, wait until you've given yours to reflect-- or, use this post to talk about what you've noticed in other presentations!

Let's end strong this week! Good luck to everyone!

Discussion for Week 14

As we approach the end of the semester, use this space to reflect on anything we haven't openly discussed on the blog, or perhaps for any questions you may have. Other good things to note might be our final impromptu practice day last week, as well as the additional lab time we had. I'm very much looking forward to the final presentations and the portfolios! The ideas everyone has come up with have been great, and it's been such a pleasure to see everyone taking the assignments seriously and developing such unique topics.

Yesterday's class was a lot of fun with the impromptu speeches. Were some of them persuasive though? There could have been some improvements, but I know it was still an impromptu speech. Todd S. did a pretty good job on previewing his five points and then closing with wrapping them all up at the end. Fundamentals my dear Watson... Other than that I really enjoyed watching some of those speeches. Keep up the good work!

Discussion for Week 13

Hi everyone,

This week, continuing with the trend of working on your web portfolios, share any thoughts you have, and possibly progress of your web sites. Were the lab days useful? What sorts of things are you most focused on with your sites? Is there anything I can do to help?

Web site progress

Should we share some progress shots of our sites so far? Thoughts? Note-- if so, might want to make a new post so that commenting will be easier for each.

I'll start. I think it will look better once I add some actual content and some images (planning to do that with the sidebar).

Web Host/Registration services

Here are some web hosting options in case you're interested, as well as registration services.

rydia.net- I have been using this service for several years- can't remember how many at this point. They offer great, affordable packages and good customer service. Although they cater to 'artists' (bracketed because that could encompass a variety of things), still worth checking out.

register.com- If you want to register a domain.

godaddy.com- Web hosting and registration services.

CSSEdit

This is a good tool to learn CSS with. It's pretty user-friendly as well.

http://macrabbit.com/cssedit/

World's Worst Website

I found this through Google during the lab session, and I thought people designing their Web portfolios might find this useful. This site is full of examples of what NOT to do when designing a Web site. It is purposely badly made, and the page actually directly informs viewers of what's wrong with each element and gives suggestions of good practices as well.

http://www.angelfire.com/super/badwebs/

Discussion for Week 12

As we wrap up the persuasive speeches, please feel free to share any final thoughts you may have, particularly having seen most of the speeches in class. Some ideas for thought: was the requirement for using two visual aids useful? Unnecessary? What did you notice other speakers citing as sources?

Thoughts on the Q&A sessions are also welcome. These have been, all in all, incredibly well done!

Excellent Article on Video Game Piracy

I mentioned this article, which I used as a source for my persuasive speech, both in my speech and in the Q&A session, if I recall correctly. In the Q&A session, I think I said I would probably post the link to the blog. Here it is. I personally found it fascinating, and chances are that you will as well. (Additional note: it was last updated last month - March 2010.)

PC Game Piracy Examined
by Koroush Ghazi