Start animating !!

     I always remember as a child watching animations and being fascinated with how they were created. Well this week I actually found out!! I created one for myself and loved it !! I created an animation and also explored an animation website. I enjoyed creating an animation apart from my awful art skills. Trying to draw when you have no art skills proves quite difficult. I tried my hardest to create a fantastic piece of art but I am no Picasso so decided on the easier job of drawing a stick man. I then completed the task by researching an animation website named 'Go animate' which was fun as it lets you create videos too. I created a short video along with my stick man !!

Here's one I made earlier !!

http://goanimate.com/videos/024wO8-9LY7Q?utm_source=linkshare

GO ANIMATE !!

1. HOW EASY IS IT TO NAVIGATE?

 It is very easy to navigate. It is clear and has simple instructions. There are sub headings which divide the sections and there are also links to other various aspects of the websie. There is a sign up section right in the centre of the page which attracts your attention straight away which makes it easy to do. Once signed up it is easy to log in and start creating videos and animations.

2. ARE THERE ANY HELP GUIDES/VIDEOS?

 There are sample videos from the community attached to the website and there is a blog linked to the website which includes a video maker giving tips on how to use the website. Once logged in, there are forums which enables you to talk to other people who are using the website and also allows you and others to comment on videos or animations. There are links at the bottom such as facebook and twitter which you can link up to. You can also add friends on the website.

3. DO YOU NEED TO REGISTER?

 Yes, you have to sign up to enable you to create animations and videos. This can be a nuisance sometimes when people just want to test a website out before signing up or just want a website that has no obligation to sign up.

4. IS IT FREE? ANY ASPECTS THAT ARE FREE?

The account is free if it is being used for fun. If a school is interested in using it they would have to pay a subscription of $355 a year. If a business is interested in using it, they have 3 options. They can either pay a subscription of $299 a year for a GO publish account, $449 a year for a GO Pro account or $599 a year for a GO premium account.

5. IS IT EASY TO USE?

It is very easy to use. It is clear and has simple instructions. There are sub headings dividing the sections which makes it easier to use. Once logged in, again there are big bold headings which gives a clear navigation to wander around the site.

  6. WHAT MULTIMEDIA ASPECTS ARE THERE?

 The website has many such as videos, social networking sites and pictures.

Animation !!

Presentation reflection

During October our class were informed of an upcoming presentation we had to prepare ourselves for. We had to work in groups of 2 and were able to decide our own topic. I was in a group with Mia and we decided to do 'food from around the world'. We met up each week to research our topic and then used the information we found to transfer onto a powerpoint presentation. We discussed what we would say and used calling cards to help with our speeches. The presentation went really well and I felt I was more confident than expected. I think the class enjoyed it too and found the information given interesting. The best part about it was that we brought Welsh cakes into the class as part of the presentation which everyone enjoyed. I think doing presentations helps build confidence and self esteem and I enjoyed presenting much more than I thought I would.

This works for me !!!!

This is my reflection process. This helps focus on my aims and future goals and what works best for me.

SWANS ARE THE WAY FORWARD !!!!

When given the topic of 'rugby' to research, because I am not a rugby fan, I was a bit concerned about how interested I would be researching it. I decided to make my own concept up of rugby to encourage me to look at rugby in a different light. I would love to see the Swansea rugby players dressed up as actual Swans. I think this would make rugby interesting to watch and maybe I would give it a try then !!

Similarities and differences between a blog and a regular website

I was given the topic of 'rugby' to research the differences and similarities of a rugby blog compared to a rugby website. I hate rugby with a passion so as you can imagine this was thrilling. Yet I am a big Swansea City football fan, therefore decided to research Swansea Rugby (although they will never match up to Swansea City football club), oh well here goes.........

The blog I found is http://totalflanker.blogspot.co.uk/


The website I found is http://www.swansearfc.co.uk/home.aspx


DIFFERENCES:

• Blogs are updated more frequently than websites are as websites usually contain information that does not change often, therefore does not need updating often.
• When new entries/comments are added on a Blog, the old entries/comments are left for viewers to see, whereas if there are new entries/comments added on a website, then the old entries/comments are removed.
• On a website, if there is a new entry or update then the whole layout of the website is altered.
• A blog is used generally for communication/views and comments as opposed to a website which is used for delivering information.
• The layout is different on a blog as it usually consists of pages of writing rather than subtitles with pictures and categories.

SIMILARITIES

• Both are used for information purposes. Although one is more information based and the other is more opinion, they are still used for knowledge purposes. 
• Both have pictures on their page
• Both have sponsors on their page
• Both have links on their page

Hi, My name is Natalie. I am currently studying Educational Studies at Swansea University and am really enjoying :) I am hoping to become a primary school teacher once I graduate :) I have a four year old daughter who is my world. xx