Assignments for Week One
- overall impression
#Title graphic design
I think title graphic is the most important factor for users to know what he/she is going to explore. Outstanding graphic design not only can impresses and interests users to go further, but makes the website to be viewed as professional and up-to-date.
The previous digital storytelling website obviously constructed years ago. Simply use text image is very clear, but not engaging. However, in the new version, Flash technology is used. Along with black background color, the glossy title text is prominent and impressed. Using astronaut and earth as the title image implies the realm of digital storytelling is broad and full of possiblities just like space, in my opinion.
#information
I think the previous one is content-oriented, but the information of the modern one is more organized. Too much information in a single webpage may cause users to scorll the page down to the end of the world. It's good to be a electronic text book, but not a webpage. The information of the new site is well-orchestrated, and easier for users to read without too much scrolling.
#navigation
The navigation bar is crucial for web designers to meditate seriously. A well designed user control interface will make it easier for users to navigate himself, whereas poor design will make users get lost in the ocean of webpages.
In the previous version, you will find every link represents a single page. The page breaks down into different sectons by using "tags" instead of pages, which makes the page too long and confusing sometimes. In addition, the links lead to other website are opened in the same windows. I think it should be better to open it in a blank window or tag. Fortunately, all of these are all improved in the new version. I think the designer really did a good job at this part.
- what, if anything, should be changed, added or deleted that will make the site more useful as an educational resource;
I think a disscuion forum, such as Phpbb(http://www.phpbb.com/) could be an option for further extension. It not only can help the digital storytelling website become more interactive and educational, but also push it to become a hub, a portal to the realm of educational uses of digital storytelling.
Other language support may extend the number of follower around the world. Since "digital storytelling" is the number 1 result of google search, I believed that educators from Taiwan, China or Japan would be more comfortable to read it in their native language.
- are there any materials on the site that don't look correct when using a particular web browser or an operating system other than Windows XP?
I am a vista user and it works perfect either using IE or Firefox.
Reading Assignment:
A Multilevel Approach to Using Digital Storytelling in the Classroom
http://discovery.coe.uh.edu/7358-f07/class1/multilevel-approach.htm
The Educational Uses of Digital Storytelling
http://discovery.coe.uh.edu/7358-f07/class1/Educ-Uses-DS.pdf
Posting Assignment:
http://ds-materials.blogspot.com/
- overall impression
#Title graphic design
I think title graphic is the most important factor for users to know what he/she is going to explore. Outstanding graphic design not only can impresses and interests users to go further, but makes the website to be viewed as professional and up-to-date.
The previous digital storytelling website obviously constructed years ago. Simply use text image is very clear, but not engaging. However, in the new version, Flash technology is used. Along with black background color, the glossy title text is prominent and impressed. Using astronaut and earth as the title image implies the realm of digital storytelling is broad and full of possiblities just like space, in my opinion.
#information
I think the previous one is content-oriented, but the information of the modern one is more organized. Too much information in a single webpage may cause users to scorll the page down to the end of the world. It's good to be a electronic text book, but not a webpage. The information of the new site is well-orchestrated, and easier for users to read without too much scrolling.
#navigation
The navigation bar is crucial for web designers to meditate seriously. A well designed user control interface will make it easier for users to navigate himself, whereas poor design will make users get lost in the ocean of webpages.
In the previous version, you will find every link represents a single page. The page breaks down into different sectons by using "tags" instead of pages, which makes the page too long and confusing sometimes. In addition, the links lead to other website are opened in the same windows. I think it should be better to open it in a blank window or tag. Fortunately, all of these are all improved in the new version. I think the designer really did a good job at this part.
- what, if anything, should be changed, added or deleted that will make the site more useful as an educational resource;
I think a disscuion forum, such as Phpbb(http://www.phpbb.com/) could be an option for further extension. It not only can help the digital storytelling website become more interactive and educational, but also push it to become a hub, a portal to the realm of educational uses of digital storytelling.
Other language support may extend the number of follower around the world. Since "digital storytelling" is the number 1 result of google search, I believed that educators from Taiwan, China or Japan would be more comfortable to read it in their native language.
- are there any materials on the site that don't look correct when using a particular web browser or an operating system other than Windows XP?
I am a vista user and it works perfect either using IE or Firefox.
Reading Assignment:
A Multilevel Approach to Using Digital Storytelling in the Classroom
http://discovery.coe.uh.edu/7358-f07/class1/multilevel-approach.htm
The Educational Uses of Digital Storytelling
http://discovery.coe.uh.edu/7358-f07/class1/Educ-Uses-DS.pdf
Posting Assignment:
http://ds-materials.blogspot.com/
I agree that the graphics represent the site in a professional manner and presentation is important. I am intrigued by your mention of a discussion forum. That would really be helpful for people just getting started and wanting to ask questions and get help from others with some similar experiences. I hope to learn alot from those of you that are taking this course at the doctorate level and from Dr. Robin.
ReplyDelete