Monday, April 20, 2009

Front and Back Matter


Front Matter

Transmittal Letter


Color Correction Recommendation Report Memorandem

To: Professor Janie Santoy

From: Armando Barrera

Date: April 20, 2009

Subject: Recommendation Report for Color Correction Tutorial

This memo contains a recommendation report on the Color Correction Tutorial. It also consists of a full walk through of my findings and thoughts; as well as a review of my recommendations.

I have examined and carefully separated this report into three different sections: (1.) Memorability, (2.) Learnability, and (3) Satisfaction. The report goes into further detail by describing the methodology (test plan), my own findings, the conclusion, and my recommendation.

Following the report, I am confident that the tutorial will have gone through a stage under the microscope and come out more efficient. My recommendation will also serve as a stepping stone for improvement and success.

Cover

Color Correction Tutorial Recommendation Report

Armando Barrera

April 20, 2009


Title Page

Color Correction Recommendation Report

Prepared by: Armando Barrera

Student of: T.S.T.C. Harlingen, Texas

April 20, 2009

Prepared for: Janie Santoy

Foreword/Abstract:

This recommendation report analyzes the Color Correction Tutorial for Adobe Photoshop, and or, other similar softwares. The report will discuss the usability test which I conducted on the tutorial. The purpose of this report is to recommend changes or further improvements that need to be made based on the results of the test. I have examined and carefully separated this report into three different sections: (1.) Memorability, (2.) Learnability, and (3) Satisfaction. This report will consist of examples for each of the three different categories. This report also examines the methodology (test plan), my own findings, the conclusion, and my recommendations of the tutorial.


Summary/Executive Summary:

This recommendation report analyzes the Color Correction Tutorial for Adobe Photoshop, and or, other similar softwares. The tutorial instructs and teaches the reader how to color correct their images/pictures. The main goal is to manipulate color by either toning down shades or more importantly making colors more attractive and vibrant. The purpose of the recommendation report is to provide insights so that the creator of the tutorial will know how and what changes need to be made. From there the creator can make improvements that will determine better efficiency for the tutorial.

Table of Contents


Abstract


Executive Summary

Introduction


MEELS


Methodology

Findings

Conclusion

Recommendations


Work Cited


List of Illustrations

Back Matter


Works Cited

1. Mauerer, R. (2002). "Usability Testing." University of Colorado System. Provides an example from https://www.cu.edu/irm/stds/usability/index.html. Taken on 1/08/2009.

2. Spool, J. (2005). "Seven Common Usability Testing Mistakes." User Interface Engineering. Provides an example from http://www.uie.com/articles/usability_testing_mistakes/. Taken on 1/08/2009.


3. Kaufman, J. (2006). "Practical Usability Testing." Digital Web Magazine. Provides an example from http://www.digital-web.com/articles/practical_usability_testing/. Taken on 1/08/2009.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Intro and Body Sections

Intro Section:

This recommendation report presents the findings from the usability test on color correction.
Here is an overview of my report:
1. Summary
2. Introduction
3. Methodology
4. Test Results
5. Recommendations

The purpose of this test was to see if someone can follow a set of instructions and apply what they've learned immediately. My final report will consist of a summary on methodology, test findings, and recommendations.

I decided to test a few students from T.S.T.C. to see how well the tutorial flows. The goal is to find out how efficient the video is as well as the learnability factor. The data will be examined and used to determine if changes need to be made or recommendations are required.


Body Section:


The two MEELS that I have chosen were efficiency and learnability. I found these to be extremely important to the success of this tutorial. Mainly because it's hard to follow something has isn't put together well. I chose the learnability MEEL primarily because it's difficult to learn and want to learn something that is too hard/lengthy.

Recommendations:

Monday, April 13, 2009

Analysis of Research

I thought that the client did a good job on trying to keep things simple and to the point. Some areas needed improvement but nothing major. I think some areas towards the middle of the tutorial needed substeps so that the reader can break them down. If a section is too hard for them to follow, it will be easier if they are offered a better starting point.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

References for Recommendation Report

References for Recommendation Report:

1. Mauerer, R. (2002). "Usability Testing." University of Colorado System. Provides an example from https://www.cu.edu/irm/stds/usability/index.html. Taken on 1/08/2009.

2. Spool, J. (2005). "Seven Common Usability Testing Mistakes." User Interface Engineering. Provides an example from http://www.uie.com/articles/usability_testing_mistakes/. Taken on 1/08/2009.


3. Kaufman, J. (2006). "Practical Usability Testing." Digital Web Magazine. Providedes an example from http://www.digital-web.com/articles/practical_usability_testing/. Taken on 1/08/2009.

Monday, April 6, 2009

Main Sections of Report

A recommendation report is a report that is constructed for some type of need. One would write a report such as this to determine an outcome or opinion about something that is to be used. They are often used to suggest a decision between something that has been tested and approved; while also conveying the view of the writer on the subject.

Main sections of Recommendation report:
1. Introduction
2. Technical Background
3. Background on the situation
4. Requirements and Criteria
5. Discussion of the Options
6. Category-by-Category Comparisons
7. Conclusions
8. Recommendation or Final Opinion

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Test Notes

Notes on Usability Test Subjects:

Test Subject One:
1. He looks a little overwhelmed by the whole task
2. Subject is having a little trouble following the written tutorial
3. He asked if all the computer parts were available to use
4. Subject is looking more confident; working at a faster pace
5. He got confused when attaching wires in the box/tower. Asked for help.
6. He asked which wires went where. Got most of them wrong. Asked for help.

Subject Two:
1. Subject asks if all the pc parts present/accounted for
2. Looks confused as to the order of the tutorial
3. Forgot what the microprocessor was and where it belongs. Asked for help.
4. Having trouble installing the CD-R drive
5. Hasn't made too many mistakes. Hasn't asked for help in a long while

Monday, March 30, 2009

Instructional Link

Here is my tutorial link:

http://english.harlingen.tstc.edu/students/armando/index.html

Audience Analysis #1

Q. Who is your audience?
A. My audience are students in the Digital Media Design Program at T.S.T.C. or anyone interested in learning.
Q. What visuals did you choose to include Why? If you included a visual, why did you choose to include this particular visual?
A. I used pictures and screen shots here and there to show the user what certain parts look like.
Q. What are the important or essential design elements of your set of instructions?
A. I wanted to keep it simple and easy to follow.
Q. In which medium do you anticipate these instructions would be used?
A. HTML, online, etc.
Q. How would you change the presentation of your instructions if you had to physically present them to a user?
A. I would change it to a video format of some sort that way you can slow things down if need be. I would add some kind of audio to it too.

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Intro, Warning, and Conclusion

How to Build Your Own Computer

This is a step by step guide that will show you how to build your own computer. It will explain everything that you need to know about gathering and assembling parts of a computer. This instructional tutorial will also inform you how to choose the parts you will use, how to buy them, and how to put them all together as well as give you vital information about what the parts do.

Building a personal computer, or (PC), is a skill that not everybody has the privilege of acquiring. In this day and age computers are the future. They do everything from calculating numbers in the stock market, to navigating satellites in space, yet they are heavily misunderstood and taken for granted by those who don't bother to study them. This tutorial will get you acquainted with the major procedures needed to construct your own computer.

The only skill that you need is the basic knowledge of how a computer functions and knowing what you want.


Getting Started:


* The first order of business is deciding what type of computer you want. Do you want a machine that is primarily used for gathering information, or do you want a pc that is used as a work computer. The choice is up to you. But for the moment let's say that you want to build a computer that is used for multimedia. You will need plenty of disc space, a lot of RAM, Firewire plugins, and more. Once you have made up your mind then you can go shopping.

1. Choose a Motherboard

Choosing a motherboard is the first major step in creating your pc. The difficult part about this step is in deciding which kind. Because there are so many models to choose from people tend to get overwhelmed. When you look at them as a group it is easier to pick the one you need. There are cheap, inexpensive, good, and excellent motherboards out there.




Above is an example of how a motherboard looks like


When choosing a motherboard one must take other things into consideration. What kind of processor do you want? Should you use an Intel or an AMD chip. I prefer Intel. Also, how many USB ports will be appropriate for your workstation? Do you require Firewire? What kind of graphics card will you need or do you want high speed RAM capabilities? All of these questions should be answered before moving foward.

2. Getting the Parts

Now that you've chosen your motherboard you can add on to it. Here are some parts you will need to get:

a. The right CPU. A central processing unit (CPU) is an electronic circuit that can execute computer programs. Make sure that the CPU brand matches the motherboard.

b. The RAM, or Random-access memory, with the right pin configuration that's the same as your motherboard

c. Choose a power supply of at least 250 watts to power your machine.

d. Choose a video card that matches motherboard.

e. Choose an optical drive that can burn CD's and DVD's. Unless you just want a regular CD-ROM.

f. Last but not least pick out your operating system. Whether it's Windows Vista, XP, or Linux.


3. Installing Microprocessor/RAM


WARNING
At this stage you must be very careful of static electricity. Most of the parts you will be working with are known to be high sensitive to static shocks. Be careful what parts you touch because if your body has absorbed a current of static you could kill parts by touching them. At this point you would then have to buy another part. We wouldn't want that.
A basic tool for PC technicians is the ESD wrist strap. Clipped to a metal part of the computer‘s case, the bracelet drains away static buildup and keeps you at the same charge as your computer, so you don’t shock it and it doesn’t shock you. Awesome Huh? Now grab the microprocessor and your motherboard together and look closely at them. They have matching corners on each that correspond to each other. When have located them you can then insert the microprocessor inside the motherboard and clamp it in. When installing the RAM, look at the slots inside the motherboard. When you locate the area strip labeled as "one" insert the RAM block into it and clamp it down also. You may have to use some force as RAM parts are know to be bulkier. Congratulations, your motherboard is assembled.

4. Putting Your Case Together

Now you must assemble the case surrounding your other parts. This will require your motherboard, its faceplate, your power supply, and some screws to hold it in place.
First, take the face plate and snap it into place on your motherboard. Your face plate should have a hole of some sort punched out for it to slide in on. Notice the area on the case where screws have been fitted already. When the motherboard is in, start lining up the screws where they need to be put in and make sure your wires are snug and not in the way.

Below is a picture of a computer case



WARNING

Be very careful not to drop screws back into the case as they might damage the wires or other parts.

Next, grab the power supply and fit it to the brackets inside of the case. There should be two sides to this part. Make sure that when you place this the power supply in that the wires are on they inside and that the fans face outward. Once they are secure you can screw them in. There should be screw holes where the brackets attach to the case. Then attach the power supply wire to the motherboard and get ready for the hard drive.


5. Installing the Hard Drive


Now it's time to put in the hard drive and the CD-ROM drive. Look for a flat bracket with four rubber stoppers and four screws that attach to it. This is where the hard drive is going to be placed. Screw in the hard drive and attach the wire from it to the power supply where cable fits. Now grab the CD-ROM drive and locate in the front of the case where it will slide in. Once you screw it in find the designated cable that attaches from it to the power supply. You will also have to connect the CD-ROM drive directly to the motherboard by using the available wire that came with it. Now you can put the case back together with the other sides and your finished. All you need now is your mouse, keyboard, monitor, etc. Good Job! You've built your very own customized computer.


Conclusion


Now that you learned how to build your own computer, you can teach others and enjoy the fact that you have accomplished something that not everybody knows how to do. You have learned to choose your parts wisely, know how they function, and put them all together to make a very powerful machine. This is just a starting point. Let's see where you go from here.


Works Cited
(For static electricity elimination method)
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/16330/dangers_of_static_electricity_to_your.html?cat=59

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Instruction Tutorial (Main Steps)

How To Build A Computer:

1. Decide what kind of computer you want.
2. Choose a motherboard
A.Intel or AMD
3. Buy computer parts
B. (RAM, power supply, optical drive, operating system)
4. Install RAM and microprocessor
C.*warning*---static electricity
5. Assemble Tower/Case
6. Install the Hard Drive
7. Powering up/Troubleshooting---if necessary

Sunday, February 22, 2009

audience analysis mando

What's your name?
Armando Barrera

Describe your intended audience---who are these readers?
My intended audience are students or anyone who wants to learn how to hyperlink or to better search the world wide web.

Describe your intended audience in terms of the organization they work for and their position or title.

Students and professors/teachers. Also those people who work for companies in need of better knowledge.

Describe your intended audience in terms of their occupation, profession, or field.
Some may be graduates; Others may be people in search of career opportunities and active students.

Describe your intended audience in terms of their needs for or interest in the information you plan to include in this writing project.

Students would most likely benefit from these instructions on web movement and URL hyperlinks.

Describe how your intended audience will use the information you include in this writing project.
Students will use the web search to find what they need quicker and more efficient than ever before. They will also use hyperlinks and the information from the instructions as well.

Describe the technical background of your intended audience--what do they know and not know about your topic? what are their technical limitations in relation to this writing project?
Most people know how to hyperlink but others don't know to search the web the way they should. Their technical limitations aren't extreme. Technology is improving and more available to people than in the past.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Images for White Paper




I wanted to use the timeline (above) because you can visually see where your time is going. Bubbletimer allows you you to enter your activities in small increments as well as set daily/weekly goals. You can also add or delete activities and even print your schedule from month to month. It will serve as a stepping stone for better time management and further prove that it is extremely helpful and efficient. Which brings me to my next point. In the pie chart above the timeline, you will notice that each activity is broken down in percentages over a set period of time. This visual aid will show where the majority of time is being spent. Hopefully this will help those students who set goals, but, are still slightly falling behind. It will also encourage other students who use the program by influencing better time management habits. Showing these kind of graphs will help students pinpoint areas where they need to make adjustments to better themselves. I can use these images to show, how over time Bubbletimer will come to the rescue of students who have trouble balancing time.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

White Paper Format

I have chosen the (More on writing white papers from OWL) example as a guide to writing my white paper. It is traditional in its own form, but, it's also easy to follow. As far as visuals go;I can throw graphics, tables, and charts anywhere I see fit. The layout isn't anything special, but sometimes simple works best. I plan on writing an Introduction that sticks to the point. I also plan on writing a very compelling background/problem that is followed by a graph. This graph will show a percentage of students who are affected by the case in point. After I put together a solution I will use tables and graph's to show the progress of students as a whole and as individuals. I will post all notes and experiences I have encountered using the tech tool including a student survey of the programs navigation.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Purpose, Audience, Genre: 3 Question's

1. What style is appropriate to address Professor Santoy as opposed to a style for students?
I would be nice to be informal; but when I think about it, it is much more professional to approach addressing a professor with respect. You will learn much more from being proper.


2. What are the style or form differences of a blog versus a micro-blog like Twitter?
The blog is more about information that is thrown out there for all to read. Formal or informal the blog is much more educational than the micro blog Twitter. On the other hand, Twitter is like bait. The reason I say that is because you can post something and almost always get someone to bite on your line. It seems that you can reach people faster and converse with each other in a more relaxed environment.


3. What do you think of genre's, such as memo's. Are they easy or hard to write?
I think that genre's such as memo's are in between simple and hard. Once you remember the steps on how to write them properly your fingers do the rest. But like I said, remembering all the steps takes time.

Survey Question's

1. Have you ever felt that you don't have enough time to complete your assignments for school?
2. Do you think that other students have the same problem budgeting time?
3. Have you ever made a personal time schedule to study and complete homework?
4. If so, did you stick with it? If not, why haven't you?
5. How many hours a day do you think you put aside for school work?
6. Do you think that the time you give yourself is enough?
7. If T.S.T.C. taught and gave you access to a program/tool to manage your time better, would you use it?
8. Do you think the reason that students struggle and don't complete assignments has anything yo do with not planning ahead to study?
9. How many other students do you think would agree?
10. According to the average letter grades you receive, are you an A,B,C,D, or F student?

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Proposal/Research/White Paper

M E M O R A N D U M
To: Janie Santoy
From: Armando Barrera
Date: February 1, 2009
Subject: Proposal to use BubbleTimer for students


This document is a written proposal, to use and establish a technical tool named BubbleTimer. Students at T.S.T.C. and people everywhere have been subject to poor time management. It has effected the way that they study, work, and find time for themselves in a negative way. I am requesting permission to spend a total of 5 working days researching and writing a white paper on this topic. This proposal will include an in depth report on how well this tool functions and benefits those who use it. I will also provide a project plan, with a list of my qualifications and deadlines I that I will meet. The importance of this proposal is to assist students who need help dividing their time and to also urge the school to realize that this is a problem that needs to be remedied.

Problem Statement

Students at T.S.T.C. are being plagued by decision making instances and the ability to try and manage their time. I plan on investigating how this has become an issue for the majority of the students on campus. It is crucial that we try to aid them with ways to educate themselves and overcome obstacles that they face. Too many students fall into the category of not planning ahead and dividing their time among responsibilities. Students are now stressing out more than ever because they are not performing well in class. I have noticed that this problem has been stirring for some time; affecting many more students as it goes unnoticed.

Project Definition

My solution to this problem is to get students to try the technical tool called BubbleTimer. It is a clever way to allow students as individuals to create a time schedule that is easy to stick to. They can benefit extremely from using this program because it is so simple to use and because you can visually see where your time is being spent. I plan on producing a time table chart that shows how many hours each individual spends on homework each day. I will also include a small survey that will be broken down into different activities done by students in different increments of time. The good thing about BubbleTimer is that you can share time schedules and activities with anyone you choose. It is set up as a system that can bring students or anyone together will the common need to budget time. Another interest that appeals to college students is that BubbleTimer provides a free 15 day trial so you can get acquainted with using it. I intend to use graph's that are simulated to show the percentages of college life. The link to the login page for BubbleTimer is http://bubbletimer.com/login so you can see for yourself. Membership for a year is only twenty dollars; but when you think about how much it will assist you, twenty dollars isn't much. The only required information for students to sign up for BubbleTimer is an email address and a password that they will submit.

Qualifications

I have been enrolled at T.S.T.C. for some time now. I am going to graduate in the fall of 2009. I have had a 3.25 GPA for several semesters now and I am a very hard worker. I have taken Digital Imaging 1 & 2, Digital Video & Sound, Web Page Design, Interactive Multi Media, and Photography to name a few. I am familiar with all types of computers like HP,Mac's Dells, and different softwares. At the moment I have been in the stages of freelancing and building my portfolio.

I have seen so many students dropping classes or flunking out because they didn't take the time to make sure they could complete assignments. I have used several programs from Blackboard and Web CT to what we use now with Twitter. I have also been working part time while going to school full time. I have experienced stress that was magnified because of poor time management. It is very difficult to have a moment to breath when you work and go to school. So I know how other students feel when they get overwhelmed with too many jobs to do. That's why this tool should be implemented and encouraged by the staff for students to use. I have taken the 15 day trial with BubbleTimer to see how effective it can be. So far I have realized that I make to many last minute decisions on how to plan my week. This usually leads to a conflict over work, school, and free time. This will benefit me as well.

Project Plan

These next couple of days I will enter my own schedule in BubbleTimer and see how well I follow it. I will also assemble a few volunteers to use the free trial and document their statistics. I also want to get statements/personal quotes that I can use to determine whether or not The students like using the technical tool.

Major Tasks and Deadlines

My Own BubbleTimer Schedule ------ Due February 1,2009 ------ estimated 1 to 2 hours
Volunteer BubbleTimer Schedule ------ Due February 2, 2009 ----- estimated 1 day
Time Table Chart ------ Due February 3, 2009 ------ estimated 2 hours
Small Survey ------ Due February 3, 2009 ------ estimated 2 hours
White Paper Final ------ Due February 4, 2009 ------ estimated 2 days

February 1st Deadline: I must have my own schedule completed/documented based on how well I followed my time table.
February 2nd Deadline: I must have each students information separated and documented so I can analyze and point out similarities in their work week as well as differences.
February 3rd Deadlines: My timetable chart and my survey must be complete. I must produce a computer generated graph for both so you can visually see how effective BubbleTimer is. I will a sample pie graph that BubbleTimer already uses in their system so you can see further into where time is spent. I will start the White Paper assignment and work up the skeleton.
February 4th Deadline: I will complete and review my findings on my white paper. I will analyze how well everything is put together and double check to see that I am not missing vital information.

Authorization/Conclusion

Don't you think that every student deserves to have a chance to make the right decision and put their best foot forward? With this new technical tool they will have that opportunity everyday and it will lead them in the way of success. College students have enough things to worry about, like: How am I going to pay my tuition? What classes should I take next semester? Should I change my major? Time management should not be at the top of the list. Especially when we can neutralize the situation by giving them a weapon they can use to help themselves. Education is the key and this tool will do just that.

Saturday, January 31, 2009

white paper and proposal questions

The goal and purpose of the white paper assignment is to describe how a technology tool will be beneficial to students. The audience for the white paper are the T.S.T.C. students who will be using this interface. Before I can write my white paper I must first write my proposal to my boss and get approval. I must also research my technology tool before writing my proposal to ensure that I have the correct information and knowledge about the subject. The goal of the proposal is to persuade my audience that the project is worthwhile and that I am qualified to complete it. It is also important to convey to the audience that there are people (students)who need this information to help them along the way. The audience for the proposal is my boss/editor so I have to be thorough and persuasive. Before I can write the proposal I have to investigate and heavily research my topic for several reasons. I have to be able to answer any questions that may be asked about the tool as well as know how the tool/site operates.

audience analysis

My intended audience for this assignment is directed at two different subjects. The first of the two is Ms Santoy. I am mainly targeting her because I need approval for the proposal that I will be submitting. The second, will be the students who will benefit from the tech tool that I have chose to observe and investigate. Ms. Santoy is a professor who teaches writing skills at Texas State Technical College (T.S.T.C.). Not only would she, as a teacher benefit, from the possible success that this tool could provide; but the students and the College would accompany as well. Ms. Santoy is currently up to date in regards to using several tools, web sites, and programs to help others achieve their goals with ease. However, there isn't anyone in the world who knows everything. And catching up with new technology is a full time job. The tool that I have chosen exists only because time management is essential in education and the workplace. Also, everyone who goes to school,has a job, or is just really swamped with things to do can relate and benefit from using this tool. As far as limitations to this writing project, I don't foresee anything in particular that will play a role in slowing things down.

Following Frenzy

Tuesday, January 27, 2009
I am following the Writer/Producer of the television show "My Name Is Earl." His twitter user name is michaelpennie, which happens to be his real name. His show is funny but that's not the point. For a long time I have dreamed of producing,writing, and filming my own independent films. He is living my dream. I have been scripting for several years assembling a team and equipment that I can have at my disposal. I plan to join the 36 hour film festival this year and travel to some of the Austin studios in search of work. I figure if I keep a close eye on people like him I can be successful.

I just read Michael Pennie's blogspot page. He is basically just self promoting for his show and trying to keep everyone notified about the latest news with his show. The intended audience for this blog is the fans of the show and some of the other writers that he works with. He has provided the reader with bio's and career filmography's of the actors. He also included short clips of the show here and there to keep the attention of the viewer.
Posted by Armando Barrera at 8:00 PM 0 comments

Very Good Blog

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

I used http://www.blogcatalog.com/ to search for a blog that sparked my interest. I stumbled upon http://www.nbaclips.blogspot.com/. Being a huge sports fan I was eager to test and see how the blog functioned. This blog is cool for a lot of reasons. The color scheme is good. The setup is good. The statistics and updated information is easy to follow and the navigation in the site is very self explanatory. They have every Pro Team represented including: individual stats, team records, and highlights all divided by year/team schedule. For a blog it doesn't get much easier than that. Unless your ESPN!
Posted by Armando Barrera at 7:12 PM 0 comments

assignment #2

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

I chose to analyze the blog site http://www.wonkette.com/. The blog is directed to the general public but aimed primarily at those involved in politics and world affairs. The central focus of the blog is to poke fun at the government. Whether it's the Bush administration that's on their way out, or President Barack Obama's descisions in the White House. The basic theme and design layout is focused on humor. They posted up videos where Obama is in a turban and dressed like a woman. Other videos showed George Bush Sr with a paragraph about Bill Clinton and others even had clever, sarcastic thoughts on present day issues. I wouldn't say that this blog isn't useful, or that it is. I think that the approach of using humor instead of hate rants, made the information much easier to accept to the common viewer. It was very interesting to see what they would say next. Freedom of speech used in this type of context is very entertaining. Although the design complimented the theme almost perfectly, I would have liked to have seen more page development on the right side of the blog. Also some more creative information about President Obama would have sufficed. I think the author/authors have done a good job in molding their digital identity by focusing their ideas on current events that people of all ages can relate to. The similarities were small but obvious. They all tried to appeal to everyone as fun and exciting. But they had to otherwise no one would read them. The differences in their approach were in the presentation aspect of it all. Some blogs looked conservative while others chose to color outside the lines.

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Introduction Essay


Armando Barrera

01/20/2009

Hello. My name is Armando Barrera. I am twenty four years old and I am the youngest in my family. I was born in Harlingen, Texas in 1984, and ever since I can remember I’ve been interested in design and fine arts. For the last couple of years I’ve been attending T.S.T.C. in pursuit of a degree in which to apply my skills. I’m currently enrolled in the Digital Media Design Technology program, which is considered as an applied science. My educational plans for the next several years are to graduate with my bachelors’ degree and immediately put it use. I plan on moving to Austin or San Antonio, where money and career opportunity are more available. I would like to work for a company as a Graphic Artist/Web Designer in the advertising and marketing industry. Communication will be one of the most important factors when it comes to this profession. Not only will I be required to orally pitch ideas to co-workers and different cliental, but I will have to maintain strong written communications skills in the form of memos and mission statements. Presently, I am working for Enterprise Rent-a-Car at the Valley International Airport as a vehicle service attendant. My job requires very little written communication skills as compared to oral instructions; but interacting is essential. Taking this course will hopefully sharpen my writing skills, as well as challenge me to be more efficient in communicating with others. In my spare time I like to play basketball, shoot pool, go to the beach with friends, play the drums, gamble, and watch sports. I am honest, outgoing, talkative, competitive, and ambitious. I don’t like people who are arrogant, racist, or judge others before they get to know them. I hope this was enough information for everyone to get to know me a little.


A+ crew party


These are my girlfriends co workers and me hanging out at a company party.