I must admit I was not at all looking forward to this particualr assignment.  The assignemnt was to create a computer game.  Considering that I am not a computer programer, I assumed the worst with this assignment which I will discuss later in this post. 

For the those class members that will be checking out others games I have provided a quick link to it below.  I’m sure that many of the members of this class will have outstanding games to look at.  Given that I am not a computer gamer and the fast pace of this class, I chose to do a simple edit of the catch the clown tutorial.  The game is called Tickle me Christa and of course I edited this program for my daughter Christa, which of course she gave it two thumbs up.

https://oncourse.iu.edu/access/content/user/debglenn/Tickle_me_Christa.exe

On more than one occasion I had thought about not attempting this assignment at all.  I thought out loud to my husband…..Well let’s see what would be the worst that could happen if I don’t complete the assignment.  Then reality set in and I realized that I had the final exam coming up and well I really may need the points from this assignment.  So off to my home office I went and took the plunge.  As I took a deep breath I loaded the gamemaker program.  So far so good.  I decide this time I will resist clicking on all the buttons and attempting to figure out the program myself.  This time I will do the tutorial from start to finish.  When I completed the tutorial I not only had all of the hair on my head in tact but I actually thought it was a pretty cool program.  I was looking forward to seeing what I could do with it.  I decided fairly quick what game I would program as my inpiration was darting in and out of my office asking to have a turn at the clown game.  I decided to edit the game and add my elements.  It was very interesting to see what worked and what didn’t.  I actually had to start from the beginning a couple of times and finally realized that maybe it would be a good idea to test the game each time I made a change.  It was fun after each new success was realized.  After all the apprehension I had with this assignment I realized it was unfounded and I really believe the assignemet was most useful in understanding the Object-oriented methodology.  After the assignment I found myself thinking about what other programs might use this methodology such as database, and perhaps even web design software.  I now have a better understanding and will be much more prepared when I see this method in other computer programs.

I’m nearing the end of this class.  Now all I have to worry about is the final which I know will not be easy.  This class was my entry back into the acadmeic world after many years.  For me taking the class online had an unexpected benefit other than convenience.  I would find it very difficult to return to school in a classroom with class members that were half my age.  It helped to begin this journey behind a computer screen.  This class helped me to gain my confidence that I can complete the coursework and do a pretty good job with it.  I do want to make a suggestion regarding the online classes.  I definately believe that an instant message system would be great within OnCourse.  More interaction between class members would be great and it could be acheived through instant messaging.  The OnCoures method now does show that a class member is Online but it is very difficult to make conact to exchange ideas or ask for assistance.  Over all it has been a great experience.

 

I am interested in IT Security Policy and Standards and Web Design. IT Security is a huge issue in the company where I am currently employed and I believe the position will continue to be in demand into the future. In particular I’m interested in standards and process to ensure that web site content is secure.   I also really enjoy Web Design.  I realize that independent web designers basically starve so I would like a position working for an established firm that has significant web sites ongoing.

 

My greater interest is in the web design world.  I researched three jobs and the links are shown below.

 

Web Designer / Graphic Artist

http://jobview.monster.com/GetJob.aspx?JobID=72779445&JobTitle=Web+Designer+%2f+Graphic+Artist&q=computer+web+designer&brd=1&cy=us&vw=b&AVSDM=2008-06-11+16%3a16%3a00&pg=1&seq=19

Web Designer

http://jobview.monster.com/GetJob.aspx?JobID=72321463&JobTitle=Web+Designer&q=computer+web+designer&brd=1&cy=us&vw=b&AVSDM=2008-06-12+00%3a40%3a00&pg=1&seq=14

 

Web Designer / Developer

http://jobview.monster.com/GetJob.aspx?JobID=72759213&JobTitle=Versatile+Web+Designer%2fDeveloper+Needed!&q=computer+web+designer&brd=1&cy=us&vw=b&AVSDM=2008-06-11+09%3a58%3a00&pg=1&seq=25

 

 

Rather than researching on the internet what a typical day for a web design person is, I spoke with the website development team for the company that I work for.  Our company has numerous websites.  Some sites are for commercial use and others are intranet and then again some are for channel partners.  A web designer more than likely will have multiple projects in various stages.  Each day involves meetings with a manager as to the status of various projects and if there are any immediate work that needs to be addressed.  The designer will talk with internal customers regarding their site and content needed.  Additionally the designers, managers, and owners of the sites will determine security level and access to the site.  Graphics may need to be acquired through third party graphic artists. Content is loaded on the sites and all links, text, and graphics are tested for viewing and operation.  In turn an announcement will be made to our channel partners of the new site or the site may be tied to a promotion for a particular product.  Web Designers in our company also provide training and attend/work trade shows.

 

I’m primarily interested in a position with the company I currently work for.  In that context I have some advantages such as knowing our channel, products, etc.  However, I have listed my skills below.

 

skill set includes creativity, analytical thinking and the ability to build strong customer relationships.

 

10 years experience working with all customers through the channel, data collection, tracking, reporting and project management, website content development for one site.

 

3 years experience in sales, and desktop publishing for marketing materials and promotions.

Marketing materials prepared utilizing Corel Draw, Microsoft Publisher and Adobe Photoshop.

 

5 years experience digital drafting utilizing AutoCad software. Digital drafting civil drawings,

 

4 years experience digital mapping using AutoCad and database utility.

 

Bachelor degree in Business Management.

 

At minimum I need a certificate in Computer Technology.  The certificate may aid me in obtaining a position within the company I am currently employed.  To get a position outside of my current company I need a minimum of 4 year degree in Computer Technology and much more direct experience.

 

This lab has shown me that I lack the necessary skills and education to switch careers.  However having said that, I will continue with my education and will look into direct software application training as well.  In the fall I plan on starting my masters in business management.  Recently I spoke with our web design team and I I may have an opportunity to move into a position with their group. 

 

I don’t believe it is possible for me to move into an IT position outside of my current employer.  My age, IT education and lack of direct IT experience will prohibit me from doing so

 

1. What are the major miles stones in the history of computing? Identify tow or three events that directly affected the way we use computers today. Identify current trends that might similarly affect the future of computing.  

 

In my opinion the 1884 Charles Babbage Analytical Engine calculating device, the US Government and the 1880 US Census, Jack Kilby’s integrated circuit, Ted Hoff’s development of the microprocessor, increased hard drive storage, a graphical interface are all very important milestones in the history of computing.  The Babbage device had many of the primary concepts used today, such as memory, programmable processor, output device, etc. The US Government provided the urgency and financial means to get the ball rolling to have a better way to calculate the census.  The microprocessor and integrated circuits was extremely important to allow for faster calculations for programs as well allowing for smaller components. Technology for increased storage capacity meant that a variety of programs could be preloaded on the computer. Graphical interface’s made the computer more user friendly for consumers. Finally the story is not complete without the amazing internet technology.  The internet and E-commerce has made computing a fact of our everyday lives. I see the future to continue to move mobile and wireless.

 

2. The computer and IT industries have rapidly emerged as a global economic force in the last twenty years.  What benefits and drawbacks does this rapid growth have for our culture?

 

I do see drawback in too rapid growth.  Rather than slowing the growth perhaps each company should a set of regulations that they must adhere to before bringing a product or service to market.  Security and ethical issues are numerous as we read in our text book.

 

3. Compare computer professions to other professions such as the law, medicine, teaching, etc.in terms of working conditions, educational preparation, salaries, and social status.  Consider why you are attracted to the computing professions and discuss what would provide the incentive for you to be successful in an IT Field?

 

In general I believe society honors law and medical and medical professions.  It still amazes me that teachers, although respected are not higher in the pecking order.  Teachers can make a huge difference in the direction a child goes. My interest is in database management, web design and system security.  In particular I’m interested the communication of data through the web.  At this point in my life I believe taking classes will provide me with the knowledge to pursue my interests in a more personal enrichment capacity as well as a possible position within IT department for the company I currently work for.

Computer image technology has contributed greatly to our society and the world in which we live.  Once I thought about it, it was staggering to think of the various fields the technology has touched. The obvious and most common field we think of is in the entertainment industry.  We have marveled at the amazing realistic special effects as well as the new version of animation such as Toy Story.  However, that it is merely the tip of the iceberg. CGI has had such a positive affect in the medical industry and law enforcement, to aid us in seeing and sharing objects that were once hidden to us.  CGI has even touched religion.  We remember distinctly the CGI image produced from the Shroud of Turin. We gazed as we saw our first glimpse of what is thought to be the face of Christ.   As with most new technologies some negatives come along with the positives.  The more I dug into the topic it became clear that the CGI arena is a field day for the law profession.  I searched the web for “likeness protection”.  I found most of the concern to be with those in the entertainment industry. In addition to the thought provoking questions outlined in the Computers in Context article a number of other issues exist.  Let’s look at some of the questions from the article.  “Is it possible to create CGI Doubles for long-dead actors, such as Marilyn Monroe and James Dean?  I foresee in the future people investing in an actor’s likeness.  If there us no family involved then a person could easily copyright the image similar to people buying songs.  During my research I found back in 1984 the computer image copyrighting subject was discussed, but there were no likeness protection laws on the books.  As of this writing I did not find an umbrella law that covered the subject in whole.  As far as the entertainment industry goes many of the protections are outlined in the contracts with studios.  Not surprising most of the issues come from money and who is going to make it rather than anything relating to ethics.  An interesting paper written by Judith A. Silver for the PTC Research Foundation discusses this subject. The paper can be found on the web at http://www.coollawyer.com/webfront/pdf/BadDream.pdf .  The name of the paper is “A Bad Dream:  In Search of a Legal Framework for Copyright Infringement Claims Involving Digital Imagery in Motion Pictures.”  The bottom line is that we are working through the issues.

 

“Can aging actors sign contracts for use of their “young” CGI counterparts? Certainly, I find no difference in the use of a younger looking CGI then any other makeup techniques in a movie.  I doubt this would occur at an extreme level as the actor would get such bad publicity as I doubt they could keep that hidden.

 

Would it be legal and ethical for programmers to create and market virtual characters based on real actors or a compilation of the best traits of popular stars?

I see nothing wrong with creating a character out a mix of traits of others.  In my opinion, once the character has been blended the individual no longer exists.

 

In my opinion what is most important regarding this subject is that the public fully understand what they are seeing. Disclosure is important.  Abuse can be found in all aspects of life and can be far reaching way beyond the entertainment industry.  As in the past these issues will be worked through on a case by case basis.

Yes I have had trouble with software and music cds because of copy protection.  I really have problems transfering software when I get a new computer or say for example wanting it on my desktop as well as my laptop.  I want the freedom to transfer the software.  Also I have core software that still works great even on the new OS but I lost the keys and now have no way to use it.   I would be willing to pay a little more to basically have a site license.  Music cd protection is difficult.  I am of the mind that after I buy the music I should be able to do with it as I wish as long as I’m not sharing or selling the data.  I download All of my music  now.  However, I do have floor to ceiling cabinets filled with CDs.  Most of those were purchased before digital downloads were available.  Many dollars were spent over the years purchasing entire CDs just to get the few songs we really wanted as most artists didn’t release singles.  I have paid my share to record companies thank you.

Online music stores do a great job with distribution.  It is fantastic to have access to all that music.  For the most part I found the sites to be flexible.  Again after the purchase I want to use my download however I see fit.  I don’t what the stores to get too strict.

One side of me says digital rights management is entirely valid.  The other side of me thinks that it is simply greed involved.  Artists and record companies already make mega dollars even while file sharing was going on.  How much is enough money? 

I shutter to think what other class members would think if they saw this post.  I simply do not have computer games.  My desk system at home is basically a gaming machine but I use it for video.  So obviously this is a simple Windows freebe pinball game.

Most of the game consists of a lot of random lights and sounds as to be expected in a pinball machine.  The program waits for the user inupt of pressing the the space bar to lauch the ball.  The other two primary keys for play is the Z key and the / key.  As the ball is active on the left side of the screen the right side of the screen is actively show points earned and number of pinballs.  I have know idea how the programs controls the direction of the pinballs or how it  determines what the pinballs hit.

I’m not sure I have accurately completed this Multimedia Project.  I hope I don’t get dinged too bad for not having a hot game.  Then again the Pinball game is at least a little more action than my first Windows Freebe game that I tried.  I found that Solitare continues to be boring weather it is hard copy or digital.  It is so boring that there really is not anything to track.  Hard to believe but Solitare has been the one game that was included with the earliest versions of Windows.  So many people love playing it.

Now I’m totally off the subject of Pinball and the compter program that goes with it.  Please don’t ding me too bad!

1. I have spent countless hours trying to understand a particular program interface.  Heck who hasn’t? Most of the frustratrion comes from non standard programs

2. I really believe that basic software is already very easy to use.  Look at how many people use computers that have not had formal training.  I’m not sure how much if software could be made any easier to use.  On the other hand Microsoft seems to be moving in that direction. My dad bought a new computer last year and it was loaded with Vista OS.  I had a tough time navigating.  Most commands are hidden.  My Dad thought it was great.  For him, less icons is better.   I think MS was targeting non power users with their Vista OS.

3. There is some truth with the theory that programmers really don’t know their audience and therefore produce poorly written or difficult software. Thank goodness we have Microsoft. Oops there I go again with my comfort level with the familiar.

The computer User’s Bill of Rights is an interesting concept that I totally agree with.  It’s a shame it won’t be implimented.  I say if The computer User’s Bill of Rights makes it through congress, then lets really step out of box and work on standardizing remote controls for televisions.

I enjoy taking classes online.  It would be great if the chat room was used more often similar to a help desk.  I’m skeptical of Wikis.  I really don’t think we should be using them in a classroom situation.  Anything could be posted and who knows if it is correct?  If a class is using a Wiki for reference then I would think the school would some how have to monitor the site.  Otherwise they could run the risk of loosing accreditation.  What is the school teaching?  I do find value in Wiki but am skeptical to dive into it too deep.  Blogging has been very useful for this class and I believe it should continue.  I was surprised that video was not incorporated in the online class.  The use of games in online classes is interesting. I don’t have any experience with this method and can not comment as to the value.

Lab Assignment 3 

Shown above is my interpretation of the lab assignment. a layout form for a visual computer  program.  I originally laid out the design with generic design elements and in turn applied the actual design.