Article posted June 11, 2012 at 05:59 PM GMT0 •
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I am officially published! One of our final projects for Web Design was to create an online resume and show the world who we really are. I had a hard time at first deciding what to write, but it became easy when I looked back at all my accomplishments.
I created a website for free using Weebly. It was really easy to use and I was able to make it look like the way I wanted it to!
I just finished and published my site! I wonder how many people are going to check out my website while they surf the web! I am proud of my online resume and think I did a great job on it.
My website name jenfusco.weebly.com
You can check it out by clicking here.
Article posted June 11, 2012 at 05:59 PM GMT0 •
comment • Reads 225
Article posted May 15, 2012 at 05:44 PM GMT0 •
comment (1) • Reads 82
In Web Design, we do so many different activities! This week, we worked on a project! The project wasn't one big thing, but many small things. We had the freedom to pick what we wanted to do, as long as it added up to 90 points. The projects I decided to do were the Game Project, Book Creator Project, Coding, and the Animation Project. After each day of hard work, we had to make a blog post explaining what we accomplished that day!
First, I worked on my own game! Using an iPad, I went on the app called "SketchNation" and got to choose what type of game I wanted to make. Also, I got to design my own character and the background! I made mine a jumping game! In the end, I made a game where you had to make a cat jump on clouds in the sky and try not to fall. Even though cats in the sky make no sense what so ever, it was still an understandable and successful game. Unfortunately, the app had some technical difficulties and would not let me share my game to my teacher. I think I deserved all 20 points for the game, and it wasn't my fault that I was unable to share it.
Second, I worked on making my own eBook. Using the iPad app "Book Creator", I made my own book on giraffes. I included all the essential parts of a book, including a cover, title page, table of contents, and the actual information on giraffes! I was halfway done with my book when it was the end of the period! Before I left I made a blog post about my completion of the game and the progress I made on the eBook. The next class, I spent the whole period working on my eBook. It was 17 pages and included all useful and correct information on giraffes and also had many pictures. I was very proud with my eBook when it was completed. I think I deserved all 30 points for it, because I spent a lot of time and effort on it. Next, I made a blog post about my eBook and called it a day!
Third, I worked on the coding part of the project. But I didn't do it in class, I did it at home! Because I was able to work on it at home, I got to spend more time concentrating and actually learning how to code, instead of just rushing to get it done. I was able to complete 3 projects: FizzBuzz, More with HTML, and an additional project called "CSS: Coding With Style". FizzBuzz was the hardest to complete, because I am not familiar with javascript and it was so confusing! The otehr two were extremely easy, becuase I have worked with them both before. Since I completed three projects, I think I deserve to get 30 points for it.
Fourth, I worked on an animation for my last class I had to work on this project! Using Flash, I made a short animation that told the story of Humpty Dumpty. I used many layers and frames and made sure everything was going smoothly. I also had shape and motion tweens here and there. To top it all off, after I was finished, I went to Free Play Music and download some free music to put on my animation. My animation was finally finished and I was proud, even though there was the occasional mistake here and there. I think I deserve all of the 20 points for all the effort I out into this animation. I ended this class with yet another blog post explaining my completion of the coding and the animation.
In conclusion, I spent a lot of time and effort on this project. With all the assignments I did plus the blog posts, I think I earned 120 points. That's pretty good seeing as how you needed to earn at least 90! I know not everything was perfectly done, but I think it was good enough.
Article posted May 15, 2012 at 05:44 PM GMT0 •
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Article posted May 7, 2012 at 05:55 PM GMT0 •
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We are working with iPads to do a number or assignments. Today, I worked on making my own game and my own book.
Using the app SketchNation, I was able to make my own jumping games and I got to draw my own character, platforms, and background! Unfortunately, the app had some technical difficulties and I was unable to share it to my teacher today.
Next, I started making my own eBook. Using the app "Book Creator" , I started making a book about giraffes! I got the cover, title page, and table of contents done! It looks so good so far!
Article posted May 7, 2012 at 05:55 PM GMT0 •
comment • Reads 68
This app basically showed you different types of molecules and had the atoms that were in it color coated.
This app is very educational and teaches you the makeup of different molecules, which can really help you, especially in Science Class!
Although it is a great app, it doesn't really come with an instructions on how to use it. You kind of just jump into it. Other than that Molecules is a fantastic app!
Article posted May 3, 2012 at 05:46 PM GMT0 •
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Article posted April 25, 2012 at 05:41 PM GMT0 •
comment • Reads 67
In our Web design class today, we visited a website called Codecademy. This site has free lessons where you can learn all kinds of codes, including HTML and javascript! So far I have worked with "Getting Started with Programming" and "HTML Fundamentals". I also earned 37 points and got 3 achievements in just one hour!
Article posted April 25, 2012 at 05:41 PM GMT0 •
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Article posted April 21, 2012 at 12:45 AM GMT0 •
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If you were driving from Moline High School and drove west for six hours where would you be likely to stop? How about south? East? Now choose your favorite of the three spots and why.
If you drive 6 hours west you would end up in Omaha, Nebraska. which is home of the College Baseball World Series.
If you drive 6 hours East you will end up in Indianapolis, Indiana.
If you drive 6 hours south you will eventually end up in, Little Rock, Arkansas
My favorite of the three spots is Omaha, Nebraska, because it is home of the College Baseball World Series.
Article posted April 21, 2012 at 12:45 AM GMT0 •
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Article posted April 19, 2012 at 05:53 PM GMT0 •
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My Web Design teacher gave us a few questions that we were supposed to find out about Mr Bohnsack.
He never told us we couldn't email him! I found his email address on his blog and asked him a couple questions and this is the results I got:
Estimate the total weight of his cattle. His cattle are Herefords. You will have to estimate how many cows he has and how much each weighs and do some math. Show your work.
Well Mr. Bohnsack has appoximately:
I have approximately:
20 cows
3 bulls
10 steers
7 heifers
The cows weigh about 1500
steers about 1000
bulls average 1500
heifers 800
Doing Math I found out that all together all his cattle weight a total of 53,600 pounds!
There are two Mr. Bohnsacks at Moline High School. Are they brothers?
Based on what he emailed me, it is his brother! His brother teaches physics and chemistry at Moline High School!
Article posted April 19, 2012 at 05:53 PM GMT0 •
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Article posted April 17, 2012 at 05:19 PM GMT0 •
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How have headphones and iPods changed music?
Headphones and iPods have definitely changed music. Before, people had to lug around CD's or tapes that only held a few songs. Now, iPods can hold thousands of songs! Headphones have gave people the opportunity to enjoy music without bothering anyone else. It really is much easier to enjoy music with headphones and iPods.
Music had changed, and most people think it is for the good. People can experience more and more music than ever before! It let's people become more creative and more enjoyment.
So what do you think? Is headphones and iPods changing music in a good way or a bad way?
Watch a video of Manfred Eicher on his take on iPods and how they are changing the music and entertainment world here
Article posted April 17, 2012 at 05:19 PM GMT0 •
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Article posted April 17, 2012 at 04:53 PM GMT0 •
comment (1) • Reads 80
I have a clustrmap on my blog which keeps track of all the people who visit my blog and where they are located. So far only 13 people have visited my blog but I hope that number grows!
I have 4 dots on my clustrmap! They are all from the US. No one who is a non SHS student has commented on my blog. I hope that changes as I explore and comment on other people's blogs!
Article posted April 17, 2012 at 04:53 PM GMT0 •
comment (1) • Reads 80
Article posted March 28, 2012 at 06:00 PM GMT0 •
comment (1) • Reads 88
What can you make just by folding a single piece of paper?
In Web Design I watched a video of Robert Lang explaining how simple it is to make even the most complicated creations. You can watch the video here
Why has origami changed?
Origami has changed because people created basic laws in making origami. You might not believe it, but origami is all about math.people can study the laws of origami and make a better system in making it. As people evolve, so does origami. Everything is evolving: techonology, communication, and people. People are getting more into origami so people are able to get better at it.
Article posted March 28, 2012 at 06:00 PM GMT0 •
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Article posted March 28, 2012 at 05:44 PM GMT0 •
comment (1) • Reads 86
How long can you hold your breath?
I watched a video about David Blaine and what he went through to be able to hoold his breath for more than 17 minutes!!! You can watch the video here
Is he crazy, or determined?
I don't think he is crazy. I think he is determined. He just wanted to challenge himself and see if he can be the best. He kept to his goals and didn't stop until he beat the world record. He had a goal and he succeeded. Anyone who has that much determination is not crazy.
Article posted March 28, 2012 at 05:44 PM GMT0 •
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Article posted March 28, 2012 at 05:17 PM GMT0 •
comment • Reads 64
Do you believe in magic?
In Web Design, we watched a video of Keith Barry and how he can do acts of magic, with his mind! You can watch the video here
How is brain magic different than regular magic?
Brain magic is different from regular magic, cause regular magic is just full of illusions. Brain magic focuses more on the energy and concentration of your mind. Regular magic is just a trick that the audience doesn't see, which leads to them thinking it's magic. Brain magic uses tricks of the mind and leaves people, including me, in awe.
Article posted March 28, 2012 at 05:17 PM GMT0 •
comment • Reads 64
Article posted March 22, 2012 at 06:00 PM GMT0 •
comment (1) • Reads 90
Today in our Web Design Class we completed a test where we make a webpage about the October Snowstorm. We included pictures we edited ourselves using fireworks and had tables and links.
1. Where did you get the image? Include link. If you created it yourself then please state that.
I got the image from the original article where I got all the information from.
I took that original image and blurred it. I also added text and it came out awesome!
2. What aspects of coding or image manipulation have you gotten better at?
I have gotten better at adding links that correctly work. I had my friend check my website on her computer to make sure that they work not just on my computer. Also, I have gotten better at manipulating tables, like adding more cells, or boxes.
I have also gotten better at adding effects to images easily. I was able to blur the image in 10 seconds flat!
3. How did you manipulate your image in Fireworks?
I manipulated my image in Fireworks, by first blurring the whole picture, but not so much that you cannot make out the image. The image can still be seen clearly, but it has a cool blurred effect!
Then I added text to the picture. I put "October Snowstorm" and made sure I used the effect "Overlay" on the text. So the text kind of blended in with the image!
4. What do you need to improve on?
What I need to improve on is putting images on my site. I still get mixed up with the image url's! Also, I need to work on managing my time! At times I spend way too much time on certain things and I end up rushing at the end!
Article posted March 22, 2012 at 06:00 PM GMT0 •
comment (1) • Reads 90
I can honestly say that I do know people who are lazy enough that they will not walk up the escalator. It's not that hard people!! There is no such thing as a broken down escalator... they just turn into stairs! Come on people just walk up the newly made stairs!
Article posted March 22, 2012 at 03:02 AM GMT0 •
comment (2) • Reads 83
I would want to do that! I think it would be fun to mess with the players. Plus, no one would know who I am, like I have a second identity. This was so funny and it would be awesome if I could do it.
Article posted March 22, 2012 at 02:59 AM GMT0 •
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Article posted March 20, 2012 at 05:29 PM GMT0 •
comment (1) • Reads 78
Do teens who text 100's of times per day have a need for attention? Or do they have a lot to say and people are listening? Take a side.
Teens who text 100's of times per day do not have a need for attention. As a teenager, we have a lot to say! Talking and venting helps teenagers get over things and feel better. I know when I'm mad, the first thing I wanna do is talk to someone about it. Teenagers don't always need attention, but someone to talk to is always a great way.
Article posted March 20, 2012 at 05:29 PM GMT0 •
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Article posted March 20, 2012 at 05:16 PM GMT0 •
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Should students wear pajamas and slippers to school? Are they sloppy/lazy or are they just being comfortable? Take a side. Where is NOT ok to wear pajamas and slippers?
I think wearing pajamas and slippers to school are fine for when you go to school. They are not lazy, just comfortable. In school, the most important thing is for the students to learn. And if learning becomes easier while wearing pajamas, then so be it. A place where you can not wear pajamas would be a work. You are supposed to be professional at work so you should not wear pajamas and slippers.
Article posted March 20, 2012 at 05:16 PM GMT0 •
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Why does this work? How does it keep you on the page?
This site works and keeps you on the page because the audience can get involved and interact with the site. I had fun drawing my own items that were used in the story. It caught my attention and that's why I stayed on the site.
Article posted March 20, 2012 at 04:49 PM GMT0 •
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Article posted March 16, 2012 at 05:00 PM GMT0 •
comment • Reads 53
In my Web Design class, we took an analysis quiz. We had to look at our school website and write a letter to the principle and tell her if the school website is a good website or not. Here is mine:
Dear Mrs. Goodrich,
I analyzed the Seymour High School website and overall, it is a fantastic website. There is no bias in the type of audience or gender that uses it. Although, when it comes to accessibility, the site may need a little more work. The side bar with all the main locations of the site, you cannot access it without a mouse. For those who have motor disabilities, they may have trouble using the site; since you can only use a mouse (the tab button cannot access it). The website is fantastic when it comes to usability. It loads fast and is in a very organized fashion. Someone can go on and find what they are looking for with no trouble. So, I would just like to say that the Seymour High School website is very well made and is easy to access.
Sincerely,
Jen Fusco
Article posted March 16, 2012 at 05:00 PM GMT0 •
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Article posted March 16, 2012 at 04:58 PM GMT0 •
comment • Reads 46
In class we learned about the the Jansen creatures and we explored a number of games that not only are fun, but teach us a lot. You can see my reviews here:
1. Are the the Jansen creatures alive? Why or why not? This is a really hard question to answer--what is life?
The Jansen creatures are not alive. To be alive, they must include all the 7 characteristics of life, which include growth and development, reproduction, homeostasis, change through time, cells, organization, and metabolism. The creatures Jansen created may have some characteristics of life, but not all of them. So Jansen’s creatures are not alive, but they are life-like.
2. Review each game in a 3-4 sentence paragraph. What is the game, what is trying to teach you, and did it work?
3rd World Farming is a game where you and your family live on a farm in a 3rd world country and you have to choose certain crops and animals to grow in order to keep a profit. You also have to make sure all the members in your family are healthy and don’t die. This game is trying to teach us to look ahead on what might happen and to show us how hard it is for people to earn money. The game did work, because I ended up having no money left, teaching me that I have to think about what I spend my money on and how much profit I will make with it.
3D Architecture is a game where you have certain customers and you have to build a house to go with what they want and like to do. The game is trying to teach us how to plan and think in different ways in order to get something done. This games did teach me, because I learned that I need to first plan out the rooms before I go and
make them.
Tall buildings was a interactive site that allowed you to visually see and compare the different tall buildings in the world in order from the smallest to the tallest. The game was trying to teach the viewers about different buildings and their statistics. They worked in trying to teach us, because the way it was organized in an orderly fashion and was easy to understand.
Power Play was a game where you had to make a cause and react line using various types of machines and parts in order to form simple tasks using heat, wind, and manmade energy. This game was trying to teach us how to be greener when it comes to powering things using a limited amount of energy. This game did teach us that, because it showed us that there are many ways that are better for the environment to do daily tasks. It also teaches us to think outside the box when deciding what will work and what will not work.
Ayiti was a game where you and your family in Haiti try to survive during the year by either getting an education or working. This game was trying to teach us how to organize and run a family, thinking about education and money. This game taught us that, because it became difficult to keep everyone healthy and have enough money while still getting an education.
Driven to Distraction was a game where you had to get by the lanes without crashing while still replying to the text messages you received. This game was trying to teach you how dangerous and distracting texting while driving can be. This game did teach us that, because it showed how difficult paying attention to two different things at a time can be.
Darfur is Dying was a game where you and your tribe had to forage for food and water while trying not to get caught by the Janjaweed militias. This game was trying to teach you how to share limited supplies and also taught us how dangerous living in Darfur is and how hard it is to live there. This game taught me that because I started getting frustrated and realized this is how people in Darfur have to live and how difficult it is to survive.
3. Do games help learning?
Games do help learning, because you get to learn it in a hands on sort of way. Instead of reading it in an article, you get to interact with what’s happening, letting you learn in an easier way. You get the chance to understand and learn by yourself what the game is trying to teach. Also, games are fun so you have an easier time paying attention and staying focused what is being learned.
Article posted March 16, 2012 at 04:58 PM GMT0 •
comment • Reads 46
Article posted March 16, 2012 at 04:54 PM GMT0 •
comment • Reads 52
Computers are used by everyone. But some people have disabilities that make using the computer difficult. In our Web Design class, we learned all about different programs and helpful shortcuts to make using the computer easier! Check out the questions I answered on Accessibility:
1. Of the four major categories of disabilities (visual, motor, cognitive, hearing) which one do you think would pose the greatest challenges for a computer user. Why? Include specifics.
Of the four major categories of disabilities, I think the motor disability would pose the greatest challenge, because using a mouse and typing with a keyboard can be hard. You need a way to surf the web in an easy way that does not need a mouse. A lot of websites can only be accessed by using a mouse.
2. Dealing with a disability can be frustrating. What are three ways a web designer can design a less frustrating website for those who have a disability?
Three ways a web designer can design a less frustrating website for those who have a disability are to have “screen readers” that read out loud all the text on the screen for blind people. Also, they have special keyboards or eye tracking software for people with motor disabilities to navigate around the web. Third, websites can make sure content is clearly written and easy to read for people who have cognitive disabilities.
3. Try getting to the CNN website without using your mouse. How did that change the experience? Did you get frustrated?
It changed my experience, because it was much more complicated than using a mouse. I got frustrated and it took much longer than if I had a mouse.
Article posted March 16, 2012 at 04:54 PM GMT0 •
comment • Reads 52
Article posted March 16, 2012 at 04:49 PM GMT0 •
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In our Web Design class we learned about how some websites can be more popular than others, due to it's usability. I answered some questions that you can read now:
Web Usability Questions
1. Define the following. Provide definitions that make sense to your readers.
Bandwidth: Bandwidth is the "size of the pipe" that carries information. The larger the pipe, the more information I can send.
Web usability: Web usability is about making your website in such a way that your site users can find what they're looking for quickly and efficiently.
2. Which of the following websites has a higher usability for teenagers. Why??
Newsmap
Connecticut Post
Newsmap has a higher usability for teenagers, because it is interesting to see. Teenagers can easily look for different news articles in a fun way that’s not boring. With Connecticut Post, there is a lot of scrolling not as easy to find interesting news articles as Newsmap. The Newsmap site is easy to navigate and the pages download quickly. The information is easy to retrieve and the page is made to be not boring, so teenagers will prefer Newsmap over Connecticut Post.
3. Find a website that you think has a high usability rating. Provide a link to this website and explain why you think its usability rating is high. Possible examples: Bobby (use headphones), Baby Names (blocked??) Tall Buildings.
www.youtube.com
I think the website YouTube has a high usability rating, because the site is well organized and information doesn’t look crowded. The website is easy to navigate, because all the links and videos are labeled and no matter where you are you can click the image that says YouTube to go back to the homepage. When you go to the website, it loads very quickly. You don’t get frustrated when waiting for the page to load. The site has headings and everything is easy to locate because it’s labeled. There are no restrictions when using the site. The back button is not disabled and bookmarking is possible. There are many ways to share the link or video to other social networking sites. So, I think YouTube has a high usability rating.
Article posted March 16, 2012 at 04:49 PM GMT0 •
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Article posted March 16, 2012 at 04:44 PM GMT0 •
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Finally the blogs are working again! I haven't posted in a while!
Well for the last couple of classes, we've been messing around with the program "Fireworks". Fireworks is a program that allows you to edit and create pictures!
Our assignment was to create a number of tasks, including putting Obama in a crowd at a Yankee Game and Creating our own minimalist poster!
Article posted March 16, 2012 at 04:44 PM GMT0 •
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Article posted January 27, 2012 at 06:49 PM GMT0 •
comment • Reads 90
Today in HTML we wrote podcasts for a certain student in our class. I interviewed my classmate Abbey. We got to ask them questions and write a script about them. Then we used the super cool ipads and recorded our podcast. I had a lot of fun making my podcast and listening to other people's podcasts!
