Living in a Technological World

XHTML and CSS

2010-03-31T08:24:00.002-04:00

To start the process of building the code for the FVE site, i made a basic skeleton to show the basic layout for the home and remaining pages. I also created two seperate CSS files to differentiate the layouts. While these are very basic, it does provide a decent foundation of which to start the Web site.

The xhtml and css layout for the home page will look like this.

The xhtml and css layout for the remaining pages will look like this.

Storyboards

2010-03-29T23:35:00.008-04:00

In planning my Web site for the UF color guard, I made two storyboards to figure out the layout of my pages. The first shows how most of the pages will (roughly) look. The second represents the home page of the site. I made this a little different to emphasize the group name because I will be using a logo on the other pages.

Site Map

2010-03-24T08:18:00.002-04:00

Here is my site map that I created through webspiration. It shows how each page of my web site will connect to the others.

Content Outline

2010-03-17T09:12:00.002-04:00

This is the foundation for the content of my second website, which I am building for the University of Florida auxiliary groups.

•Home- Welcome, basic information, and encouragement to learn more about the groups.

•About Us- What each group does during the performances, when they perform, how they enhance the band and cheer up the crowd, and why you should get involved. This will also name the groups leaders and instructors.

•Auditions- The dates of each audition, what to wear and expect, and the required skills for each group.

•Requirements- What you must do once you make either group: enroll in the marching band class, attend all of band camp, practices, games, bowl games, pep rallies, and the homecoming parade. You must also purchase the required practice garments and pay small fees. You must also look uniform including your hair and makeup styles.

•Performances- Previous year’s championship games, travels, and competitions. The difference between pregame and halftime performances. Frequency of new shows and examples of past shows.

•Calendar- Specific dates to remember such as: auditions, home football games, bowl games, homecoming weekend, practices, and the alumni game.

•Multimedia- Two separate links for photos of each group and videos of each group from performances, games, and practices.

•Links- Shows links to sites like the University of Florida, University of Florida Marching Band, Summer Gatorland Band Camp, Tau Beta Sigma- Beta Xi, and Kappa Kappa Psi- Alpha Eta.

•Contact- Full contact information for all the instructors, directors of band, and the address for the band building. Will also have links to their facebook groups.

iPhone to iPad

2010-03-11T08:20:00.003-05:00

The newest product released by Apple is a tablet computer called the iPad. It's meant to be a new category of products that go in between the iPhone and a laptop computer. It is roughly the size of a thin textbook and weighs only 1.5 pounds.

It's features are similar to that of the iPhone through its use of downloaded applications; however, the iPad does have more memory and processing power. The product is set to release April of this year with two available models: the wi-fi and wi-fi+3g. The set price of $499 is considerably low for its capabilities. Now all we have to do is wait and see how the public responds to it.

I found this photo and thought it was worth a good laugh. Enjoy!

Proposal for my Second Web site

2010-03-02T08:55:00.000-05:00

Considering the facts that I am a graduating senior and I want to go into the field of digital media, I would love to make my second project a Web site that goes beyond the academic level and is utilized by an organization. The auxiliary groups for the University of Florida, the Gatorettes and the Florida Visual Ensemble, do not have a collaborative Web site to display what they do and how to become a member.

I had been a member of the FVE for three years so I understand how the process works so I would like to combine my skills to better inform prospective members. Considering the target audience is young students, it makes sense to have a Web site for them to easily access information regarding the groups.

I plan to hold an interview with the auxiliary coordinator, June Stoeber, regarding why someone should audition for the groups and explain what they are about. Along with this, I want to work with her to incorporate all the elements she feels necessary. So far, I plan on having several links on the navigation including: home, about us, auditions, schedule, band trips, requirements, links, and contact information.

The site may also be linked from the marching band Web site, which has a very limited amount of information regarding the auxiliary groups. In making this site, I hope to better understand the process of building a Web site for a client with specific needs and audiences. It will also get me to learn more advanced skills through the Adobe programs and hopefully with Javascript.

Web 2.0 and You

2010-02-11T22:42:00.004-05:00

So you may be wondering what I mean by Web 2.0. Well, it's actually quite simple. Web 2.0 is a term used to describe the web sites that gain some content or value from its users. That means anyone can provide insight on the web page, think wikipedia. It is referred to as 2.0 because the traditional form of media, send -> receive, was replaced with this new model that focuses on open and shared communication.

Sites like Wikipedia, YouTube, Google, MySpace, and Flickr all helped revolutionize the way content was created. Through this, the individual became part of the media and enhanced user interactivity.

It's kind of exciting to think that you can publish information that may have otherwise gone unnoticed.

So, how will this affect companies? I think it is safe to say that avoiding these open and interactive qualities will lead to decreased sales. This is because people want to feel involved in those companies. For example, CNN news often includes some twitter comments from viewers when debating issues. This is a great integration between social networking sites and the company's product.

Now each time you post a video on YouTube, comment on a blog entry, or change an entry in Wikipedia, just remember that you are participating in the massive movement of Web 2.0.

Doesn't it feel good!?