Post-It Note!

 My blog consists of daily journal entries. The newest journal entries are the main questions first. As for the other journal entries consists of problems/solutions and ideas/issues ( the older posts). Due to the blog being from latest to oldest , the oldest post, would be my very first blog entry and would be the introduction to the assignment!

Another Note:

Update: I just want to note something. Since we already submitted our website on the 1st of July 2011, our Prezi presentation was also submitted. For none of the transmission media, were we unable to find the 'security' part of the question. So before our blog was due, I was looking on the useful links on our student net and I actually found the answer. So I thought I would reference it here:

Security -  Wired (twisted pair, coaxial cable, optic fibre):

• For wired Local Area Networks - firewalls are the main security. They can be installed on the computer.
• Thus as the wired transmissions are connected to the computer, they are then connected to the Internet, with firewalls acting as security.

Security- Wireless (microwave, satellite, radio, infra-red):

• Less secure than wired.
• Signals "travel through the air and can be easily intercepted."
• Yet there is Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)  encryption standard, which protects data of Wireless Local Area Networks.

Sanea.

Roles of group members

Sanea (myself):

• Question 5 (Blog's powerpoint) and half of question 4.
• Editing of the videos.
• Storyboard for the website.
• Quizlet (tips and tricks).
• Filming for half of news broadcast video.
• Participation within videos.
• Website designing and adding of information.

Reshma:

• Question 3 and half of question 4.
• Creation of crossword for question 1.
• Storytelling animation video for question 4.
• Storyboard for video.
• Website
• Participation within videos.

Stephanie:

• Question 1.
• Question 2.
• Filming for half of news broadcast video and filming for welcome video.
• Quizlet (tips and tricks).
• Website.
• Communication Plan.

As a group:

• ISC Diagram
• Gantt Chart
• Prezi presentation
• Videos

Sanea.

Discussion of file formats used in your information system. Justify your use of these formats

Discuss: Identify issues and provide points for and/or against.
There were various file formats that were used within the information system for the multimedia presentations that were created. This included:

• jpeg: This format was used for most of the images on the hypermedia website. It was easy to manipulate and edit without the actual quality of the image being affected (pixelated).Furthermore the "degree of compression can be adjusted allowing a selectable tradeoff between storage size and image quality". Moreover this format was also used for the background images on the web pages, which were clear. This format was also used for the images which matched the corresponding information, and when it came to adjusting the images to the same size, it stayed clear and was easy to adjust. In terms of file size, jpeg images did not take too much storage space, enabling more storage space for the web pages and videos. Yet a disadvantage to this is, as JPEG loses quality and information every time it is saved.

• png (portable network graphics image): This was used for the logo used within our newsbroadcast video. The logo was created on Microsoft Publisher. As it was used within the newsbroadcast video in every slide, it had to be adjusted to a smaller size. Once done, the image was still clear and the image quality was left unaffected.

• m4a: This is an audio file, that was on iTunes. It was the original format for the background music use for the web pages. When the background music (with this format) was originally placed on the web page, it did not work. Thus it had to be converted to another appropriate file format. The songs required were only in this file format, and so it was vital that they were converted if used. Yet a problem had occurred, as it was converted online, the converting of a file did not work, so the song had to be looked up on Youtube, and converted accordingly.

• wav: This is an audio file. The background music used on the first web page was converted from m4a to wav. Even though the .m4a file was renamed to .wav, obviously this still did not work. So it was converted online by media converter to .wav file ( using a youtube video of the same song). The reason that it was converted to this particular file format, was because in a previous website created by the team, the background music was in this particular file format. 

• m4v: This is a video format, which was used for the welcome video, the newsbroadcast video and the bloopers video. This was the default format for the video when edited on iMovie (Apple application). The video worked and was clear & of good quality, even when it was uploaded onto Sharepoint Designer (which is a Microsoft application). Furthermore when uploaded onto the web page, the video was using Quick Time player to display the video.

• ppt: This is a powerpoint presentation. It is the format used for the p.p. on the question of emerging trends (blogs), for the storyboards (website and video on Google Documents) as well as for the Network Topologies question. As the powerpoint presentation was unable to be viewed on the web pages, SlideShare which used the same file format ,uploaded the presentation, and was able to be embedded within the web page. 

• doc: This is a word document. The downloadable links for the question on transmission media page, is a word document ( for the crossword questions and answers). It enables the student to print out the document. Any person with a computer, who clicks on the downloadable link, will be able to save or open the file and view the document. It is an extremely common file format.

• html: This is web page. It was the default/common format, for the web pages created on Sharepoint Designer. All the web pages were saved in this file format and opened up in any web browser (Internet Explorer, Safari, Firefoz etc….).

Sanea.

Discussion of environmental factors (as defined by ISC) that influenced the design of this multimedia system for the given context, and ways your team addressed them

Discuss: Identify issues and provide points for and/or against.

 The information system's environment,  influences and is influenced by the school environment. In saying this within this environment are year 12 students, teachers and parents . As for outside the school environment is also web designers. Thus they pose as environmental factors that have influenced the design of the multimedia system. Furthermore there were a number of ways, our team had addressed such factors.

• Year 12 students (part of the school environment): The design of the information system- the website was catered for the educating of year 12 students studying Communication Systems according to the syllabus. As the main objective of this assignment was to "create a hypermedia tutorial that could be used to instruct year 12 students on various aspects of Communication Systems as outline in the year 12 syllabus", the website had to cater to the needs of the students. It had to include a number of tools that not only allowed students to learn effectively but enhance their knowledge accordingly.It had to be user friendly and enable them to navigate through each page with ease, gaining knowledge from each resourceful tool. Thus the way that year 12 students learnt and understood was taken into account and influenced the design of the multimedia tutorial.     Furthermore, my team and I addressed this, by creating a multimedia website, that did not have only summarised text on each page, that didn't satisfy the various learners (such as visual learners). Instead we had multimedia aids that were entertaining and allowed for the students to easily understand the content of the question. For example, instead of creating a powerpoint and providing a downloadable link, we used Prezi. Which was an enhanced version of a powerpoint, but was a 'zooming presentation'. It incorporated multiple features such as zooming in on images, text and video rather than the simple transitions on Microsoft Powerpoint. We also embedded the presentation so students were just a click away from viewing it. Also another example, was the news broadcast video we created for the question on error detection, which had summarised information on the bottom of the webpage ( in bullet points). The video, was not only entertaining but gave a case study on where error detection can occur. Other various aspects that our team had applied, included background music and the background image on the welcome page. Which gives immediate attraction to the website making the student wanting to enter. Moreover we also included activities, such as the crossword for the question on transmission media, to allow students to gain knowledge from different ways of learning. The storytelling animation is another way that our team had addressed the environment factors. Another key feature was the tips and tricks page which caters for year 12 students, giving tips on coping with the HSC using appropriate study techniques. Overall, through the use of images, videos, colourful text was the way our team had addressed the needs year 12 students. Thus they had a great influence on the designing of the hypermedia tutorial.

• Teachers (part of the school environment): The information system- the website was also designed in such a way so as to provide tools for teachers to educate year 12 students on Communication Systems according to the syllabus. As the hypermedia tutorial was created for use by year 12 students studying Communication Systems, teachers are also an indirect source of receiving the information. In saying this, if teachers find the website effective and helpful in teaching their students about the topic, then they can not only use the website to teach the students but also recommend them to the website. Through the various aids such as videos, activities, colourful text and image, our team has addressed this environmental factor.

• Parents (part of the school community): The information system- the website was designed in such as way so as to enable parents to know their child is learning the specific topic according to the year 12 IPT syllabus. Once again, through the various learning aids that encompasses aspects of multimedia, our team had addressed the expectation of parents. In saying this, if parents are reviewing the work being done by their child, through looking at the resources they are using, the hypermedia tutorial in the form of a website, can meet their expectations  and show that their child is learning effectively.

                                            Prezi- The Zooming Presentation.

                                           Videos- a helpful learning tool.

     A storytelling animation ( uploaded on Youtube by one of the team members)- a helpful learning tool.

                                          A powerpoint presentation- just a click away.

                                          Colourful text- a useful aid.

• Web designers: Have also influenced the designing of the information system- the website as they ensure the social and ethical factors of developing the multimedia tutorial website. That is not only effective in teaching year 12 students, but is also relevant to the use by teachers. In saying this, our team ( being the web designers) have addressed this, through the inclusion of a terms and conditions page. Which requires the users to agree ( or disagree) to the use of the website and its content. Moreover, if users have no internet access at home (equality) to view the hypermedia tutorial, particular aspects of the website have downloadable links to open to documents (crosswords, tips and tricks which are printable, a study timetable template ) and powerpoint presentations. In saying this, another person can give the student without internet access a copy of the documents, allowing them to utilise some of the aids by the website. Yet as they are year 12 student, internet access can be available at their school, allowing them to then utilise all of the aids provided by the website.

                                Terms and Conditions of using the website.

                  A link that can be downloaded, saved on a USB and given to a student without internet access.

Sanea.

Critical evaluation of the effectiveness of a similar multimedia package within the context for which it has been designed

Evaluate: Make a judgment based on criteria; determine the value of.

 Betts Computers- A similar multimedia package which is within the context for which it has been developed. This site covers all the topics of the year 12 IPT syllabus. Thus including a comprehensive description on Communication Systems. Below is an evaluation of the website- weighing the positives and negatives of this multimedia package.

                   Betts Computer- Clear links ( a pro) but there is too much happening on one page ( A con).

 The Pro's

•  Covers all areas of the year 12 IPT syllabus ( can be seen from the navigational menu).
• A webpage dedicated to an introduction to communication systems. This is a great way in establishing the content of the topic. Thus allowing the user to gain knowledge on the basics of communication systems. It also has useful images/diagrams.

A useful labelled diagram.

• There is also a page called the 'Communications Glossary'- which can be extremely helpful in allowing the users to looks up certain words they don't understand . Yet this webpage is a broken link, and cannot be accessed!
• Clear links to each page- a good navigational menu. Furthermore it is colourful, which is appealing to the user.
• On most of the webpages that can be accessed, there is a little box with keywords in it. This is a helpful tool for the user to remember the keywords when it comes to learning the content.

• The use of images/diagrams to support information: Allowing the users to understand the information more, and useful for visual learners.

                                                                 Diagrams help support information.

• Examples are provided. This can enable the user to understand the information more, if they have examples to apply the information to.

The Con's

• The main webpage is too cluttered. Meaning that it is not too appealing to the visitor initially, there is too much text and links (image above).
• Broken links. Some of the webpages do not display. Thus can effect the user's impression of the website. Especially if the user relies on the website for their information and part of it is unable to be accessed.

• There are no videos, powerpoint presentations, or downloadable links: These are quiet helpful learning tools, which summarises and provides a new way to display information and allow users to gain knowledge. Thus the website lacks such helpful learning aids.
• There are no activities: Such activities could include a find-a-word, or a crossword, anything that would make the content more fun to learn about and understand.
• Some of the webpages, have too much text and no images/diagrams at all. This can bore certain users, who learn effectively through images/diagram as well. Furthermore the text is not in bullet points, which can help summarise information and allow users to understand more effectively in short, concise sentences.

                                              Too much text.

 Overall Betts Computers - a multimedia package, is quite an informative and good source of information for the year 12 IPT syllabus- more specifically on Communication Systems. Yet if some of the broken links are fixed, this would be increase the usefulness of the website!

Sanea.

Outline the information technology used in creating digital content for the information system

Outline: Sketch what may happen based on available information.

 Within this assignment, there were a number of software and hardware devices that were used in creating digital content for the information system.

Software:

• Microsoft Sharepoint Designer 2007: This was used for the creation of the website. It enabled multiple web site pages to be created, with the associated content ( music, text, videos, downloadable links).
• Microsoft Publisher: This was used for the creation of the RSS logo, which was included within the news broadcast video. 
• Microsoft Powerpoint/ Microsoft Word: M.P was used for the creation of the powerpoint on the question of emerging trends (blogs). It allowed for the creation of multiple slides which included text and images.
• Inkscape: This was used for the editing of the background image on the emerging trend (blogs) question. It allowed for the modification of the brightness/contrast of the image. Thus as the original background was too dark, and the associated text would not be seen, this software allowed for the a lighter background.
• Prezi: This was used for the creation of the 'zooming presentation', for the question on Transmission Media. It allowed a new way, for the understanding and learning of information.
• iMovie: This was used for the editing of all the videos, created by the team. It was used for the welcome video, the news broadcast video, and the bloopers video.It allowed music to be added, transitions and other various aspects to be added to the video.
• Windows Movie Maker: This was used for the creation of the video, which was used within the News broadcast video itself.
• Audacity: This was used for the editing of sound in the Network Topologies video. It allowed for the modification of the tone of the speaker voice within the video.
• Media Converter: (online) was used for the converting of m4a audio files to wav audio files. As the original audio files (for the background music) were unable to be played on the web page, media converter enables a Youtube URL to be entered, a specific file format to be selected and converts it to that file format.It also allowed for an audio file to be selected and converted, but this unfortunately did not work.
• Quizlet: This was used for the creation of flashcards online, for the tips and tricks website page. It allowed for the screenshots of each flashcard on the page. Furthermore the website (Quizlet) was placed as a link on the Hypermedia website, for the student to visit and print out the flashcards for their own use.
• Google Docs: This was used as an extremely helpful tool for each of the group members, to share various documents on the assignment ( for example: the storyboard for the website) and communicate with one another. 

Hardware:

• Computer: Without this piece of hardware, there would be no assignment! It was essential for everything, right from the creation of the website, to the sharing of documents ( through accessing of the Internet) to the editing of the videos and so on. 
• Camera ( iPhone): This piece of hardware was used for the recording of all the videos ( the welcome video and the news broadcast video. It gave clear resolution and sound for the video.
• Speaker: This enabled sound to be heard in the videos and for the background music. 
• Microphone: This was used for the recording of the sound for the Network Topologies video.
• Headphones:This was used for hearing the sound for the videos, and the background music during class time.
• Projector: This was used during the news broadcast video, as it enabled the video behind the news reader to be displayed. 
• USB: This was an essential piece of hardware. As it allowed for all the work within the assignment to be saved and used anywhere at any time. 

Sanea.

Screen Capture Video

 As mentioned in one of the previous posts,  we had decided not to complete the interactive video. Instead we decided to complete a screen capture video. This involved creating a powerpoint presentation and adding audio over it. The audio was recorded by one of our group members- Reshma. Then this audio file was edited on Audacity, in order to change the tone of the voice. Then being converted into a video- a .wmv file.

 There was a slight problem with this video when embedded onto the website.  The video was originally sent to my email address. When it opened, it only went for 4 seconds and stopped abruptly. Even though the whole length of the time written was around 4 minutes. So, as one of our team members, already had an account with Youtube, the video was uploaded. Then the embedded Youtube video was placed on the website, and it ended up working !

Embedded Youtube video 

Sanea.

Website- Problem 2 Meet Solution 2

 As the website, has a number of multimedia aspects such as videos and presentations. This included, various information being presented through Prezi ( the zooming presentation), a powerpoint being upload onto Slideshare and videos on Youtube. As a group we decided, that we did not only want hyperlinks for the students to access and directly go onto the site. Instead we wanted the videos and presentation to be on our actual website. We knew there was definitely a way to include these forms of multimedia tools onto our website. Furthermore, as we had created a website last year, and had included a video onto the website, we found that there was an embedded code. Thus Prezi, slideshare and Youtube, all had embedded codes, and we were able to place our videos/presentations onto the website. There were also a downloadable link to the powerpoint presentation, a hyperlink for the slideshare website where the powerpoint was uploaded as well as for the Prezi presentation and the Youtube video.

Update: While viewing the final website, the slideshare powerpoint did not display text on some of the slides. So we placed a downloadable link for the powerpoint, as time was running out and it would take quiet a long time for slideshare to re-upload the powerpoint presentation.

 Downloadable Links

Embedded Youtube Video

Sanea.

Website- Problem Meet Solution

  While designing the website, I had chosen some images to be placed as background images for various pages. Before placing this, I had asked my team members for their feedback. When I placed the images in the background, it would come up tiled. Instead I wanted one image to cover the whole webpage. Even my team members tried to figure out, unfortunately we were unable to find solution. In the end we decided, that the webpages still looked visually appealing. Furthermore the background below had looked too dark and the information would not be able to stand out. Thus we used Inkscape to edit the image and adjust the contrast of the image, making it lighter.

Tiled Background

 On various webpages, we also decided as a group to include background music on pages that do not consist of videos, presentation tools and text. Thus we had initially decided to include music on the welcome page and the about us page. Yet a problem occurred. The music was taken from iTunes located on one computer, saved on my USB and then placed onto the webpage. Yet when placed on the webpage, it ended up not working. This was due to the format of the music file. Originally it was a .m4a file. So using an online media converter, a Youtube video url of the same song was placed and converted into a wav file. In the end, the background music worked and was placed onto the welcome page only. As the about us page already did have a video on it. 

Media Converter

Sanea. 

Blogs Powerpoint

The question on current and emerging trends in communication systems- as a team we decided to do BLOGS.

The information will be presented through a powerpoint. I will be creating this powerpoint. We thought it would be appropriate to present the information in such a way, as: 

- powerpoints are great tools for understanding information in sections.

- each slide can be designed, so as to be visually appealing, and easier to understand and learn.

 I decided to include, various aspects of blogs, including its history, the types of blogs, the content of blogs,the current and emerging trends, include some blogs to visit, and also sites which enable an individual to create their own blog ( such as blogger).

Sanea.

Words and Sentences

 Before creating the website, we had used Google Docs to record all the summary of our questions. On pages such as the Welcome page, an overview of Communication Systems, the About Us page, and the Acknowledgments page , I wrote a few sentences beforehand, so the content could just be put onto the website. I showed this to my group members, to see whether or not they wanted to add, modify, or remove anything.

Sanea.

Quizlet

 

 On the website, as a group we decided to include a page which includes some study tips and tricks, aimed at year 12 students. These study tips and tricks would be created on quizlet, thus the tips would be written on flash cards ( that are printable). 

 One of the group members had created an account (Stephanie) and the username and password was given to other group members to enable any adding of information and editing. While editing the flash cards , I thought it would look more visually appealing to the user, if each flashcard had images corresponding to the information. Unfortunately, it did not have a free facility, of uploading images from Internet. Quizlet, only allowed images from Flickr to be added. Yet none of the images needed were found. So I decided, it would be appropriate to include images instead on the actual website, rather than on each individual flashcard.

Sanea.

Change of plans

  Due to time constraints, and the fact that we decided to complete more than one video of our own, we had decided to not create an interactive video. Even though we had created a script for it, and the storyboard, as a group we weighed it up and finally came to a decision, to still complete a video, but not one which would take that long.

  So instead of an interactive video, we created a storytelling animation video. This was for the question of Network Topologies. The slides were created on Powerpoint and then using screen capture, a voiceover was added to the video.

  A problem had encountered during the uploading of the video onto the multimedia website.The original video was in the file format of wmv. This video was sent by one of the team members to another by email ( from Reshma to myself). When embedded onto the multimedia website, it would only play for 4 seconds and stop. Even through the duration of the video was around 4 minutes. So, it was decided as a group, that one of the team members (Reshma) would upload the video onto Yotube and accordingly we could embed the video onto the website. This indeed had worked.

Sanea.

News Broadcast Video

  As part of the error detection question, as a team we had decided to create a news broadcast video on explaining the whole concept of error detection. As we were filming the video at school during lunch, the limited period of time to set up and start filming, meant that we could not film the video all on one day. Furthermore over the next few days, each group member, were unable to make it, and so we ended up filming the next part of the video, a week after. Which delayed the editing of the video.

  Whilst filming, we had encountered some problems. There were issues with lighting .This was able to be fixed through editing, which enabled adjustments of the contrast and brightness. There were also issues with the positioning of the camera. Due to to it being an iPhone camera, the portion of the film being taken had to be proper. Yet once again this could be fixed through editing. Which involved cropping certain portions of the film. Volume was another problem. Whilst filming, it was important to adjust the volume levels so that the speaker could be heard clearly. Once again this also could be edited.

 I had taken the role of editing the videos on iMovie. I found this software, quiet easy and fun to use. With the whole theme of news broadcasting, I picked the appropriate music, slide transitions et cetera. The only problem was when I finished editing the whole video, whenever I clicked play, it would freeze at certain frames. As it came to be, this was associated with the fact that the video was not published. So I had accordingly published it, exported to my USB and viewed it. Luckily it ran smoothly.

 Then I had shown it to be group members, for any feedback and Reshma, decided that it would be appropriate to create a logo for our group name- RSS which would become the logo for the news broadcast. I then re-added the logo on each slide, published, exported and the news broadcast video was completed!

Editing the video.

The beginning of the News broadcast.

 On a last note, even through this is not classified as a educational video for the site, as a team we decided that we would create a 'bloopers' video for the students visiting the site, just to make it fun. Yet this video would be created last and only if we had time.

Update: We did end up having time, I had many bloopers from the News broadcast video, used these clips, added music & transitions and it was done!

Just for fun!

Sanea.

Scripts

 We will be creating 3 videos of our own for different questions. One of these was the welcome video. The other two includes:
- A news broadcast
- An interactive video

  For these two videos, as a group we thought it would be appropriate to first create scripts for the video, to be more organised when it comes to filming. Each team member was on, at the same time, and accordingly we worked on the scripts.

Sanea.

Our Welcome Video

 We decided to create a welcome video, for the users of our website. This will be located on the page, where the user will get an introduction to the multimedia website. As a team we filmed the video, with each member having the following roles:

Voiceover: Reshma

Cameraperson: Stephanie

Music/Editor: Me

 We used an iPhone to film the video. To my team members, I proposed the idea of using iMovie, to edit the video. We decided to go ahead with this.It was easy and fun to use. The only problem I noticed, while editing the film clip, was that at one particular point it cut away abruptly to another film clip. Unfortunately, this was due, as the film was not recorded in one go, and there were no transitions between each clip to cover the cut away aspect of the film.

Furthermore, after editing the video, my only concern was that the video would not be compatible with Windows and would be unable to play. I had saved it on my USB, to show it to my team members for any input on their part. It did end up being in the correct format and working!

 Sanea.

Prezi- The' ZOOMING PRESENTATION'

  For the first question on types and characteristics of transmission media, we decided to create a Prezi presentation. The unique aspect of Prezi, is that it gives a whole new way of learning a topic through a powerpoint. It is a zooming presentation, as it enables the user, to navigate through the presentation, zooming in on particular sentences, word, images and even videos that emphasise particular points.
  As a group, we worked on the Prezi presentation. We each had a turn of adding elements to the presentation. Stephanie was in charge of this question, so she had all her information ready, we all put our input into the colours we wanted, the layout of the presentation, the videos we thought were suitable.
 I must admit, at first it we found it a little hard using this presentation tool, but it got easier as we went through it and effectively utilised its features. It took us quite a while, but we wanted to perfect it and we finally did finish it.

A sneak peek:

Sanea.

The many benefits of Google Docs

 Using Google Documents, has helped us as a team to share different documents related to the project and keep track of what each team member is up to.

 In particular, a 'Question' document is created. This is where each of the questions are written, with the corresponding team member in charge of answering the question. Within this document, the following can be recorded:

- summary of information

- links to websites

- links to videos

 Thus allowing each team member to view information collected and allowing them to add any information they come across ( or even edit the information). Other aspects of the project that have been documented to be shared include:

- The storyboard of the website

- The storyboard for one one of the video's

- The script for the videos.

  It has been a helpful tool, that makes communication between team member much more easier!

Sanea.

Syllabus Items

 As the whole purpose of the hypermedia assessment is to present information on communication system in a multimedia form, there are a questions which we have to answer and present. As a group we discussed and decided who is doing which question. It is as follows:

Question 1- Stephanie

 Types and characteristics of transmission media, including:

  -wired transmission

 - twisted pair

 - coaxial cable

 - optic fibre

 - wireless transmission

 - microwave

 - satellite

 - radio

 - infrared

 Question 2- Stephanie

 Communication protocols, including:

– application level protocols

- http

- smtp

- SSL

– communication control and addressing level protocols

- TCP

- IP

– transmission level protocols

- Ethernet

- Token ring

       Question 3- Reshma

             Describe strategies for error detection including Parity Bit Check, Checksum and CRC

       Question 4- Me & Reshma

       Describe the following network topologies, outlining their advantages and disadvantages:

– star

– bus

– ring

– hybrid

– wireless networks

       Question 5- Me

       Describe one current and emerging trend in communication systems from the list below. Identify the possible impacts of such trends on communication systems.

- blogs

- wikis

- RSS feeds

- podcasts

- online radio, TV and video on demand

- 3G technologies for mobile communications

* The emerging trend we will be doing is: Blogs

Sanea.