How did you use media technologies in the construction and research, planning

and evaluation stages?

M.Raja

For my research, I used a range of different media

technologies to create, store and easily present information.

The internet was the main source for researching. I used Google as my search engine to research my genre and retrieve relevant materials. The internet is full of

information and is the best way to research about something as it is quick and easy. Through the internet,

I was able to use other websites like Youtube, Slideshare, and webs etc.

Youtube was the best website to research existing real media texts because it allowed me

to visualize and watch real examples. I also used Youtube to upload my work for example

my ‘Cutting to the beat’ video. Moreover, after uploading on youtube, it generates an embed

code which I can use on other websites for instance Webs. This made my research easy

and faster to present.

I used prezi to present our research in a more dynamic and interesting way. Prezi is another type of presenting software that focuses on ideas and change using its smooth navigation style transitions.

Final Cut

I used Final Cut to create my actual music

video and also to create easy forms of

presenting my research. For example my

‘cutting to the beat was made on Final

Cut.

Mobile Technology

Another key media technology we used was our mobile devices. We often forget how important our mobile device is in our daily lives. Smartphones have many convenient features like camera, calendar, calls, social media, maps, GPS etc. This generation relies on their smartphones, tablets and other devices and it has become a part of our daily lives.

I found that my mobile device was very useful throughout all stages of research, planning and construction of my music video. For example when I am away from a computer, I used my phone to browse and look at real media products, and using apps like ‘notes’ I managed to successfully make notes and continue my work on the go. Moreover, I was able to upload my work onto webs and share with my group using social media and instant messaging apps like Whatsapp.

Other research methods

Cd’s, Digipack: I looked at physical examples of Cd covers for a better understanding of digipaks.

Word, presenting: I used word for basic presenting of my research

Powerpoint, Presenting: This was the most used software to present my research

Slideshare: This software allowed me to embed powerpoint presentations onto Webs

Scribd: This software allowed me to embed word documents onto Webs

Planning

We began planning our actual music video according to the research we gathered.It was easy to plan because we had a lot of examples and real media to work with, and using a range of media technologies we managed to set out our plan in a more easy to understand style.

Word allowed me to quickly type up instructions and ideas for the music video. I also used words to type up the song lyrics to help us plan the narrative with the lyrics. After we had to upload this word document to Scribd. This allowed us to embed the file onto Webs.

PowerpointPowerpoint was more useful as it allowed me to be more visual and creative. Planning was easier on Powerpoint as there were more effects, animations, media features etc. Also on Powerpoint I was able to demonstrate my results and audience feedback in a more visual manner using pie charts and other graphics. I could also upload the powerpoint on Slideshre so that it generates an embed code which I can use to embed it onto Webs.

We used a digital camera to record audience feedback for our chosen song and their ideas for it. Youtube helped us to present the video in a easily accessible place (Youtube website)

which is used by many people.

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/9PzyiDtBw4U?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

The embed code allowed us to easily place into Webs

PhotoshopI also used Photoshop for our draft Print tasks. Photoshop is a photo editing software that allowed me to manipulate and enhance images for my print task. I was able to play about with the images and manipulate them. This helped me to understand how to design and create a professional looking Cd cover and magazine cover.

Construction

We used a Canon Legria to film our music video. I learnt how to use the functions of the camera correctly and also how to set up the tripod.

The tripod allowed to me take smooth steady shots and also allowed me to pan more smoothly. I learnt how to set up the camera to the tripod correctly and how to use the other features of the tripod.The mac was used for storage of

all our video footages and for all the other software we used. I learnt how to connect the camera on to the computer in order to transfer files.

I used Final Cut to lay out the video footages onto one canvas whereby I could rearrange, edit and crop certain footage. Final Cut allowed us to create our music video easily because

I used Photoshop to create the final print task and through using it I learnt many new skills like colour manipulation. I also used my mobile phone to communicate with my group and take pictures for reference. The pictures used for my digi pack and magazine advert were taken using my 8 mega pixel camera phone.

Evaluation

One of the criteria on the mark scheme says that candidates should use a range of media technology when answering the evaluation questions. Due to this I decided to use various different media technology. I thought by using different software and media technology this would showcase my ability to use a range of media.

Q1 For question 1, I decided to use Microsoft Word so that I could get all my ideas down and have it in an essay form, I thought this would allow me to demonstrate my ability to write clearly and and use Word effectively. Afterwards I realised that this was a plain way to present and a bit boring. Thus I decided afterwards that I would get someone to read it out. I used the mac’s internal voice recorder, this way I could use the audio file and put it into iMovie. Using this software I was able to add background music and present so that people can hear the essay rather than reading it themselves.

Q2 For question 2, I decided to use Prezi as this would allow me to clearly and easily present my point and I could easily show similarities and differences between the print tasks and the music video without having to go back and forth between slides. The animations on prezi are smooth and interactive. Through this course I have learnt how to use Prezi and I have realised that Prezi is popular and many businesses and companies use it to demonstrates their point in a clear and simple manner.

Q3 For question 3, I decided to make a video using iMovie. This method demonstrates that I can use a range of media technology. Using the audio recorder I recorded a voiceover to narrate my audience feedback. I then used iMovie to put pictures, music and the voice over together in an informative and entertaining video.

I used transitions to make the video more smooth and entertaining.

I placed all the required footages here so that I could easily cut and edit before placing them into the timeline

Q4 For question 4, I decided to use Microsoft Powerpoint. Powerpoint is the easiest and most quickest way to present visually. I already know how to use Powerpoint because it is a popular software and I use it a lot when it comes to presenting. However through using it a lot in media I learnt how to use new features for example the background removal for pictures.