Desiree Paisner CIA 511 Art & Telecommunications Self Evaluation

- What skills have you learned?

This semester in CIA I have worked really hard to learn many components of computer web development, including HTML hand coding, Javascript, Imageready, and Dreamweaver.  I have also learned to manage my work more efficiently by the practice of making web pages.   Other areas that I have improved on are in Photoshop and Netscape’s Composer.  I have also learned how to use web cameras on my website.

- What work have you completed?

I have completed all of the assignments that have been asked of the students in the class, which includes the following:

            Assignment 1: Low Tech Communication

                        Tierra L. and I created a color code system to communicate using color-coded book covers and hangers that she made.  We devised a translation sheet between code and information that we looked at on the field to understand what the other person was saying from a distance.  The system we used was successful and without error.  We also had fun participating!

Assignment 2: Locating Exemplary Web Art

                        For this assignment I found 5 websites that had really neat web art that I thought stood out from the rest.  They are as follows:

1) Best of the Web

http://www.mowa.org/            

2) Experimental Digital Photography

http://www.beedigital.net/                        

3) Top web art newest additions

http://www.tmp001.com/           

Assignment 3: Election Related Website

            For the Website based on Election 2004 material, I created an informational site for young adults to visit that would help them learn the basics of voting and how to become involved.  During this assignment I felt strongly that many younger generations don’t know enough and don’t have enough motivation from mentors, parents, and teachers to get involved in the political process.  So, I developed this site, which also helped me learn more, too!

2004 Election Get Informed and Vote!

An informational website to get young Americans motivated to vote!

http://userwww.sfsu.edu/~art511_c/tele04/desireep

Assignment 4: Web Camera based event

            We were instructed to develop a project that would incorporate real time video and or webcameras that was the basis of our subject.  Carolina Lucero and myself collaborated together on an idea based on the senses and the seven wonders of the world.  We incorporated sound, an image map, and video on 5 web pages, where viewers were able to interact with the project.

Assignment 6: Final Project -Information Art - A Topic Based Site

            For this project, Carolina Lucero and I continued to improve our original idea that focused on the senses.  We added a web camera and shockwave to it, along with better sound and more video, which improved the overall navigation and understanding of the project. 

Mini-Assignment A: Distance Education and Chat Environments

This assignment, the class went on-line into chat rooms for a class session.  I was at home on-line, where I participated in the class discussion that focused on “paperless universities.” 

- What new ideas related to the course are you considering?

I have considered new ideas that connect ideas to visual manifestations.  In the project where I focused on the senses, I really got into the idea of interpretations and perspective and how people translate information, whether it is by sound, site, or feel.  The internet is a huge place to explore other places and realities without having to be in the physical places, themselves.  I would like to be able to expand on this more sometime.

- What changes have been stimulated in your art activities?

My use of certain applications has been much more extensive this year so I have been stimulated by websites, creating them, looking at them for ideas on the internet, and deciphering their code.  This is part art activity and part technical because it is important to get ideas of websites that can be executed for the viewer to use easily—without being boring.  I’m learning how to make websites that look good but also function well.

- What are your weakest areas in course subjects?

My weakest areas in course subjects is getting better but still remains the same from last year.  I have been better at coming up with ideas for the projects but I struggle at getting everything that I want to happen into the project and working smoothly without error.  It is a frustrating and reoccurring weakness.

- What else is relevant to know about your experiences?

I have had the opportunity to move into the work environment fairly smoothly, using my major in art directly.  This is relevant to my experiences because it is exactly what I wanted the chance to do.  I hope to accomplish more in the art world on a personal and professional level, using my skills from Conceptual Information Arts.