Upon entering Theater 216: Introduction to Visual Interpretation I was full of anxiety regarding the programs, tools, and media I would be required to utilize throughout the duration of the class. Computers have never come easily to me so I have done a fine job at limiting my skills to email, word documents, and instant messaging.

Beginning with Photo shop I was determined to not only complete the project, but familiarize myself with the tools which were available through the program. I learned through a process of trial and error that you need to allow your project to get worse before it will get better. The tools would sometimes transform my collage into something I did not want it to be, but by "stepping backwards" I was able to play and see what worked and what did not. After completing my collage I now feel confident in photo shop and have used the program for two other classes of mine this semester alone. I can't imagine how much I will use it in the future.

The conglomeration of photo shop and IPhoto to complete the slide show was useful in finding how you can combine these formats of media to further advance your project. Not only was I able to create the exact photo I wanted for each slide of the show, I was also able to add music to form a commonality through the music. After becoming familiar with Iphoto it seems extremely easy to make slideshows!! Since my mom found out I know how to make these I will most likely be making them for many family and friend functions!

Imovie was the most difficult of all projects. Luckily, I picked a project that I believe in so I did not mind dedicating an extreme amount of time to it. I learned a very valuable lesson when doing this project to pick themes you believe in and that you love. Doing a movie on Bobraushenbergamerica was extremely fulfilling and although there were major technical difficulties I was enraptured by how the different media effects could transform the show and how easily it read through the visual camera medium. I think it would be interesting to now explore different movie makers. I feel since I was able to complete a movie utilizing this program (which I have heard is the hardest) then I may be be able to execute an even better movie using a different program.

Overall, I feel this class is effective in breaking the ice between a student and media. It has allowed me to begin the process at becoming more advanced and capable of performing complex media projects. Thanks to Joan's patience I was able to learn a valuable lesson: the computer will not work any better just because you are FREAKING OUT, so breathe, relax and just get it done!

Collage