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Content:

  1. Communication Skills
  2. Assessment
  3. Feedback

Why Communications Skills Are So Important?

Your online units cover 4 different topics:

  • Team Effectiveness
  • Communication Skills
  • Environmental Sustainability in the Workplace
  • Maintain a Safe Work Environment (OHS)

Today we will focus on the aspect of Communication Skills.

Photo by mcconnors on morgueFile

Photo by mcconnors on morgueFile

Read Introduction to Communication Skills

Think about the questions below while reading the post Introduction to Communication Skills on MindTools.com. Think about these questions:

  • What are the elements or steps of the communication process (look at the diagram at Introduction to Communication Skills)?
  • What are 5 typical communication barriers or what goes wrong when two parties fail to communicate?
  • When and with  whom do you communicate well (think in terms of family, friends)?
  • When and with whom do you communicate poorly with?
  • What steps can be taken by a sender or source to ensure the best possible outcome?
  • What steps can be taken by a receiver to ensure the best possible outcome?

Are you a Good Communicator?

Do the MindTools online Communication Quiz.

Complete the Assessment

Assessment Communication Skills

Upload the Assessment:

Upload the document on MyKangan

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Today’s Class

  • CSS Styling Fonts
  • HTML Tables
  • CSS Styling Tables
  • HTML Lists
  • CSS Styling Lists
  • HTML Blocks
  • HTML Layout
  • Homework
  • Feedback

CSS Styling Fonts

Use the supplied links to follow the instructions on W3Schools: http://www.w3schools.com/css/css_font.asp.

HTML Tables

Use the supplied links to follow the instructions on W3Schools: http://www.w3schools.com/html/html_tables.asp.

CSS Styling Tables

Use the supplied links to follow the instructions on W3Schools: http://www.w3schools.com/css/css_table.asp.

HTML Lists

Use the supplied links to follow the instructions on W3Schools: http://www.w3schools.com/html/html_lists.asp.

CSS Styling Lists

Use the supplied links to follow the instructions on W3Schools: http://www.w3schools.com/css/css_list.asp.

HTML Blocks

Use the supplied links to follow the instructions on W3Schools: http://www.w3schools.com/html/html_blocks.asp.

HTML Layout

Use the supplied links to follow the instructions on W3Schools: http://www.w3schools.com/html/html_layout.asp.

Homework

Please look at this W3Schools example: Basic website created with div elements and change it to create a simple text based website for yourself. Call it something like ‘My first website’, supply a menu with menu items (about me, portfolio, etc) and change dimensions and colours. Add more divs to the HTML.

Save your final work with Notepad as a HTML file and bring to next class!

Feedback

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Today’s Class

Assessment 1 – Introduction

Assessment 1

The task will be posted here shortly: C2 – Assessment 1

Assessment 1 will cover these questions:

Instructions:

Develop a detailed SEO recommendation for AntiArt, a Melbourne-based website that retails illustrations, screen prints, lithographs and other Art prints by international, non-established and non-commercial artists and illustrators. The website will have sections based on the different print formats and sections based on the cultural origins of the artists (European, Australian, Aboriginal, Chinese, Indian, Latin American).

Clients need to be able to place orders for specific, unique and numbered art pieces.

The website will be available in English only.

The prints will be stored in Hong Kong and shipped from there. The website will promote Melbourne as the home base.

Please use the Google Search Engine Optimization Starter Guide as a reference.

Create a unique, accurate page title for the home page!Describe your choice and why it is suitable for   SEO.
Create a unique, accurate page title for the page on which clients can purchase screen prints!Describe your choice and why it is suitable for   SEO.
Create a unique, accurate page title for the page on which clients can purchase art   by European artists!Describe your choice and why it is suitable for   SEO.
How can you write description meta data for a web   page?Create an example in code.
Create a description for each of the 3 pages   above:

  •   Home Page
  •   Page for purchasing Screen Prints
  •   Page for purchasing art by European artists
Give an example of a good URL for the page for   purchasing screen prints!
List a set of keywords you would use for the home   page!
Describe how you can write better anchor text for   links used on the site!  (p16)
Give 3 examples for good anchor text for links   to:

  •   Screen Prints
  •   Art by European Artists
  •   Art by Aboriginal Artists
How can you use heading tags appropriately?Give an example what type of heading to use for   your most important text (eg. Screen Prints) (p20)
How can you use robots.txt effectively? (p21)
How can you guide mobile users accurately? (p26)

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Today’s Class

  • Compare the Completed Experience Planner
  • Discuss Assessment 1
  • Homework for Assessment 1
  • Feedback

Compare the Completed Experience Planner

Attached is our experience planner, that we completed in class based on the CentreLink experience: Experience Planner- filled in partly after class 04.

Just to clarify, the idea with this experience planner is to have a more detailed look at the actual experience of a customer or user. This will give you the ability to focus on fixing negative experiences and planning for a positive experience with a product or service.

Discuss Assessment 1

Assessment 1 requires of you to plan an interactive PDF for an event of your choice. Assessment 1 will not require for you to create this interactive PDF, you will just plan for it.

Interactive PDFs and apps are good ways to promote events. We will focus on the creation of an interactive PDF in this class. Events can be promoted with style in this format. It allows for the promotion of the event and sponsors. Links to websites, addresses, phone numbers, embedded videos, there are a lot of options to include hypermedia elements in a PDF.

Example of interactive PDFs: Adobe Magazine, Font Magazine, Know-It-All Guidebook to King West, Vektoria Magazine, Blanket Magazine Revolution Art Magazine, Revolution Art Issue 40,

Ideas for Events

In class we discussed ideas for events:

  • Parties
  • Film Festivals (MIFF, French Film Festival, German Film Festival, Italian Film Festival, …)
  • Food Festivals (Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, Festivale, Tasting Australia, Great Barrier Feast, …)
  • Music Festivals (Stereosonic, Summadayze, Big Day Out, Soundwave, …)
  • Sport Events (Skateboard Event, Football World Cup 2014 in Brazil, Olympics, Melbourne Cup, …)
  • Health Events
  • Holiday Resorts (for tourists)
  • Fashion Week
  • Cultural Festival (Phil Fest)

Ideas for the Style, Look and Feel

To set yourself apart from the rest it is important to create work that is visually inspiring and in a style that appeals to the right target audience, but that is also within the spirit of time or contemporary. Be careful not to create the same old and to do something that you were inspired to by a software tutorial. The result would be most likely boring.

Look at contemporary design ideas and influences. Start your search in my links: Links to Inspire You (at the right side of this blog) include links to sites such as:

Each of these sites is filled with great inspirational designs! Use their Search tabs to access their databases.

Post on Retro Style Graphics on www.dzineblog.com - click image for link
Post on Retro Style Graphics on http://www.dzineblog.com – click image for link

Other ways to find inspirational designs and contemporary graphics

Look for the works of contemporary graphic artists and designers:

Jamie McKelvie

Jamie has a comic artist and illustrator. His works are interesting plays on figure/ground relationship (or positive and negative space).

If you look at the illustration below, her body is very abstract and basically just made up of a number of diagonal lines. Her shoulder and upper body are shown in shape, but towards the lower end of the shirt the lines are just left unfinished. I find this an interesting treatment and the illustration appeals.

The star in the top right is a cutout of the the diagonal lines, which are already very dynamic. The title has been highly stylised. The texture has an aged, scratched finish and the arrangement of the type is very interesting, it looks like display type used in a shop front.

Illustration: Jamie McKelvie - Suburban Glamour Comic Series
Illustration: Jamie McKelvie – Suburban Glamour Comic Series
Illustration: Jamie McKelvie - Art Brut Record
Illustration: Jamie McKelvie – Art Brut Record – Found at McKelvie’s Flickr account (click image)

Children’s Book Illustrations

There are many different styles of children’s book illustrations. One thing they all have in common is their target audience: children. That is what makes them so unique and often you can sense a desire in the illustrator to add a lot of story telling qualities and depth to the characters.

The interesting thing about children’s books as a source of inspiration is that you can search by designer or era.

You might be surprised that iconic graphic designer Saul Bass illustrated a children’s book. ‘Henri’s Walk to Paris’ was published in 1962 and if you look at the pages you will recognise the style of Bass. I strongly believe that children should be exposed to good graphic design ideas. I don’t mean the theory, but the children’s book should be inspiring. Below are some pages from ‘Henri’s Walk to Paris’.

From 'Henri's Walk to Paris' 1962 - children's book by Saul Bass Found at: Brainpickings.org
From ‘Henri’s Walk to Paris’ 1962 – children’s book by Saul Bass Found at: Brainpickings.org
From 'Henri's Walk to Paris' 1962 - children's book by Saul Bass Found at: Brainpickings.org
From ‘Henri’s Walk to Paris’ 1962 – children’s book by Saul Bass Found at: Brainpickings.org

The Street Art of Jef Aerosol

A Beautiful Piece by Aerosol found on his Facebook
A Beautiful Piece by Aerosol found on his Facebook

Look at GUI Design Trends:

There is a clear move towards touch interfaces, due to tablets and other mobile trends. This can be seen in the Windows 8 Metro interface and latest trends in the Xbox 360 interface.

Windows 8 Metro Interface - Courtesy of www.geeky-gadgets.com
Windows 8 Metro Interface – Courtesy of http://www.geeky-gadgets.com
Xbox 360 GUI - Courtesy of www.engadget.com
Xbox 360 GUI – Courtesy of http://www.engadget.com

Google Search for Contemporary Graphics:

Google Search for Contemporary Graphics
Google Search for Contemporary Graphics

Google Search for Retro Futurism:

Retro Futurism - Click the image for a Google Search

Search for specific events – example Stereosonic

Stereosonic 2011
Stereosonic 2011

Search for specific technique: Photomontage

Artform that became extremely popular in the early 20th Century. Particularly popular in German Expressionism and Dadaism. Click the images for links to the original images or sites:

Photomontage: Amir Ebrahim Photography

Photomontage: Amir Ebrahim Photography

Massive Attack - The Essential Mix

Massive Attack – The Essential Mix

Homework for Assessment 1

Please complete the tasks below for next class:

  1. Pick an Event
  2. Find 10+ images for a style/feel that you like for the interactive PDF
  3. Write down events + locations for the event (relevant to your event)
    • eg: Skateboard Week
      • events
      • shops
      • cafes
      • parks
      • map

Feedback

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Today we will look at:

  • Creative Commons
  • Layer Blending Modes
  • Layer Masks
  • Gradient Tool and Layer Mask
  • Today’s Task

We will focus the majority of today’s time on you practicing Photoshop. After the completion of your tasks I will expect you to stay and practice more. Class time is the time when I will be able to assist and the time for you to experiment with the software.

So, today we will have fun and afterwards will have some more fun until the imaginary bell rings to announce the end of class.

Creative Commons

Creative Commons or the Creative Commons License relates to a way to distribute content, such as photos and other images for free. Last week’s sample photo of the Ameland geese by F Schouwenburg is under the Creative Commons License.

Source: Flickr - photographer: Frans Schouwenburg
Source: Flickr – photographer: Frans Schouwenburg

Creative Commons are generally used for non-commercial and educational purpose. If someone makes a profit with a product they should pay for the image they use.

Generally, the author, creator or owner of the content needs to be mentioned. So, in short, when using images from Creative Commons sources ensure that you mention the source of your image.

This can be done in various ways. One would be to place a tag underneath the image with the source as you see it done in this blog.

CConFlickR
Creative Commons on FlickR

There are different forms of Creative Commons and it pays to read the details beforehand. To the right is another example from FlickR:

Examples of Creative Commons Resources

Try out the Links to Creative Commons to the right of this post:

Your task: find a photo to suit the themes Urban environment and blue skies with each search and download the image. Include the meta data of the photographer and source of website with the photo.

Try this link for more Creative Commons information.

Layer Blending Modes

First start a new Photoshop document. Place one of your new photos into it. Place your second photo as well.

The Layer Blending Mode can be accessed through the Layers panel. A text box (Win) with the word Normal or a small button (Mac) indicate the Layer Blending Mode box.

Look at your layer blending mode with the top layer active. Try the layer blending modes below and see how amazingly easy Photoshop lets you change the appearance by creating a blend between two images.

Now click on this link and access the tutorial on Layers TV Episode 105 about how to use the Layer Blending Mode.

Layer Mask

If you completely watched the tutorial in the link above, you will already know how to create a layer mask and can proceed to the task for today.

Last week we looked at clipping masks and today we look at a layer mask. The process is very similar. Make a selection on your active layer and click on the Layer Mask button (add a layer mask) beneath the Layers panel. Your selection is still visible and the rest has disappeared.

You can also create a layer mask from a selection by going to the main menu: Layer>Layer Mask>Reveal Selection. (see image)

Layer_Mask

Alternatively (press Ctrl+Z or Cmd+Z) you can hide what you have selected: if you use the Layer Mask button press Alt at the same time to hide your selection with the Mask. You can do the same from the main menu: Layer>Layer Mask>Hide Selection.

While the layer mask is selected you will be in the mask mode. You can use the brush to add or take away from your layer mask. If you use the brush (while in mask mode) you can  make parts disappear by drawing with black as foreground colour. You can equally make things reappear by drawing with white as foreground colour.

Using Gradient Tool with Layer Mask

A good tool to use is the gradient tool with the layer mask. You can create a gradient mask that way, which means the image will gradually become invisible. See image below.

French Ancient City Banner
French Ancient City Banner – Source: Image Base – Free Stock Photography Click the image as a link.

You can see the gradient used on the right part of the image. This is how you do it:

  1. Create a new document (use dimensions below)
  2. Place an image and change size as you see fit (press Enter)
  3. Create a layer mask (click the layer mask button)
  4. Activate the gradient and drag from one part to another within the imageIf white is your foreground colour the image will become invisible in the direction of your dragging. If black was your foreground colour the image will be invisible on your first point and become visible in your dragging direction.

For a more detailed tutorial on how to use the Layer Mask in Photoshop go to: PhotoshopEssentials.com

Today’s Task

Create a banner for a website using two images that blend into each other (use Layer Blending Modes and Layer masks) with a title, either use your name or an imaginary title.

Image by Alvimann found on morgueFile.com
Image by Alvimann found on morgueFile.com
Image by Noboru found on morgueFile.com
Image by Noboru found on morgueFile.com
Urban Stories Banner by F.Viola
Urban Stories Banner by F.Viola

The images must suit the themes:

  • Urban environment
  • Blue Skies

Dimensions of banner: 980px(width) x 174px (height) 72ppi (resolution)

Task_New Document

Add a title to the banner, that preferably also blends with the background images. Save the file as a PNG file. Keep a copy of this file and the 2 images that you have used. Upload your work onto MyKangan.

Examples of Student Submissions:

Layer Blending Masks Banner
Banner by Vlad K
Banner by Yong Wu
Banner by Yong W
Banner by Mike T
Banner by Mike T

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Today’s Class

Assessment

We will use today’s class for you to work on the assessment. I will walk around and look at your progress. We can discuss strategies on how to speak to potential employers on the phone.

Below is a listing of the tasks (as per last week):

Task 1:

Look into the yellow pages and collect details for 20 businesses:

  • List 10 businesses with a print or graphic design background
  • List 10 businesses with a digital media focus. Web, adverts, film and media

Make sure to have business name, type of business, contact details incl email and web address.

Task 2:

Develop a short questionnaire. Have a minimum of 10 questions. Your questions should be able to be answered on the phone or by e-mail.

The aim of your questionnaire is to

  • establish the chances for a Cert IV PGA Graduate and Diploma of PGA Graduate of finding employment and
  • find out what businesses in target industries are looking for in employees.

You can use the questions below to get you started.

  • What skill set are you looking for in an employee (eg Graphic Designer, Print operator…)
  • What soft skills are you looking for in a new employee?
  • In your expert opinion is your industry growing? Please describe (the sectors)!
  • I am [state your age] [gender] [currently studying a Cert IV in PGA at Kangan Institute]. Would I be able to find employment with you?
  • What advice do you have for me?

Task 3:

Interview 2 businesses (one from each group). You need to collect a contact person’s name and their job title. Aim for the highest up in a business. Write all the answers down. It might be a good idea to e-mail them the questionnaire, so that they read it as you ask them.

Make sure to check the spelling of names. Some people may get insulted if you misspell names.

Task 4:

Write a report with your opinion of your findings.

Details:

Hand everything in as a Word document. Include your full name and Student ID. Submit the final product on MyKangan.

Due Dates:

Task 1 + 2: 26/8//13 – We will work on it in class.

Tasks 3 + 4: 9/9/13

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Today’s Class

  • CSS
  • Feedback

CSS

We will continue working through the CSS section on W3Schools: http://www.w3schools.com/css/default.asp.

By now you should understand the purpose or function of CSS. It is mostly responsible for the styling of online documents. CSS is also responsible to view documents for different platforms and outputs.

Examples of Output and Display for web-content. Image: live.surveyshack.com
Examples of Output and Display for web-content. Image courtesy of: live.surveyshack.com

Having CSS allows you to change the font, image sizes, layouts to suit different requirements. The ideal size for a font will be different if viewed on a widescreen monitor or on a mobile phone.

After last week you should be aware of the differences between inline, internal and external CSS: http://www.w3schools.com/css/css_howto.asp

We will go through the Styling related tabs as well as the box model. I will ask you to trial the different options as we work through to the Box Model together.

NOTE: In class we worked through the Styling Backgrounds and Styling Text Tabs. We wook time to look at a number of CSS related aspects and we spend a good time exploring the Styling Backgrounds examples.

Screenshot W3Schools: CSS Background Style
Screenshot W3Schools: CSS Background Style

Make sure to explore these ones in some depth:

Trial the links above and change the code from background-position:right top to left top and change the margin to margin-left:240px. Play around with the settings and observe the changes by submitting them in the TryIt Editor.

<!DOCTYPE html>

<html>

<head>

<style> body

{

background-image:url(‘img_tree.png’); background-repeat:no-repeat; background-position:left top; margin-left:230px;

}

</style>

</head>

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Content:

  1. Assessment
  2. Feedback

 

Text from MyKangan:

Open the attached document with a set of tasks for you to explore.

Your task: Download the attached word document and:Look up the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OHS Act). Find out who is responsible for workplace safety and who has duty of care at a workplace.

Define the term ‘hazard’ in a OHS context. Define the SAM principle and what the Think Safe steps are! State six methods to respond to a hazard

Upload your completed document

The Forum and the task are available on MyKangan. Please participate in the forum. A humorous response is more than welcome as long as it is in context and not vulgar.

All the tasks from previous weeks can be uploaded as well.

Assessment

Please complete the Assessment OHS 1

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Today’s Class

Due to me being sick I would like you to work individually through Google’s SEO Starter Guide.

Google Search Engine Optimisation Starter Guide

Please work through pages 14 – 19 on your own. This will include information on how to write better anchor text and how to write descriptive alt attributes for images.

Feedback

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