Specifically, if I have to publish an ePortfolio about my learning growth and experience, I will focus on my area in art and design.
Design has been part of my life. Whenever there is something related to design, I can't help to add any experiences to my porfolio. Since high school, I have accumulated a variety of art work ranging from computer graphics to ceramic sculptures. These evidence of artworks not only exhibits my passion in art, but also the progression of my skills as a designer. In my ePortfolio, this section will be a visual gallery of the work I have done from high school till now.
In high school, I designed for school clubs and took several visual art classes to enrich my skills. When I studied at Foothill, fortunately I had a chance working as a designer in a studio on campus.
Hence, I believe I have an all-round skill in terms of this field. The evolution of my growing skills is a positive progression. I can recall how conservative and careful I was when making my own artwork. I was over-stressed by the result, and the quality. I never enjoyed the process. But now I am finally able to break the frame and think out of the box. I realized design is all about craziness, courage, and creativity. The result doesn't matter as long as you can fully express yourself in art. Art is not built upon others' opinion, but my own ideas and enjoyment. I think the progression is a live and dramatic time line. I will like to use flash animations with audio descriptions to present my growth in art. In case I encounter hearing impaired visitors, I will also prepare a textual description on the side.
An evaluation of my learning will definitely be an interactive platform of the creator(me)and the readers. For design, feedbacks from different people are vital for better innovations and breakthroughs. In my ePortfolio, I will create a personalized forum for people to comment on my ePortfolio and art. Of course they can also share inspiring opinions on any topics regarding design. Each opinion will be posted on a place where it looks like a shape of a speech bubble. When a visitor is interested in posting a comment on the forum, they will be able to decorate their speech bubble by using the flash decorations available.
The most excitement of my learning journey in art and design is the process. I will post some video clips about my process of doing an artwork. Besides, I will also illustrate some animations to display how my brain produces those creative ideas.
In terms of exterior, as I explained in my previous post, I will expect my layout will be simplistic yet mysterious. http://www.initialfashion.com/
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Practical ePortfolio
First and foremost, I will definitely use ePortfolios as purely my own personal pleasure. I am a talkative and creative person. There's nothing better than providing me a platform to express myself. I am a photographer, painter, graphic designer, pastry chef, violin player...you name it. Besides, I have a peculiar interest in capturing every moment of my life with my digital camera, especially the variety of desserts I newly invented.Also, I have a habit of posting my food online to share with everyone in the world.I passionately love food and visual presentation. Hence, when I made something successfully, I can't wait to take a beautiful shot of my new invention and announce to everyone about the good news.
This is something similar that I have been doing:
Aside from food, I also love taking pictures of nature and the tip bits of my daily life.
So a photo-ePortfolio will be the best media for me to express my passion. Likewise, I did something similar to the food blog.
(Earlier, it has taken me a while to load the webpage, hope it's still exist for I haven't updated for a long time)
I think using ePortfolios as an expression of one's personal pleasure and passion. First, it is gloabally interactive.It allows me to know the people who have the same in common. Also, I am able to enrich my profile with interactive elements such as video clips, pictures, and audio files. With ePortfolios, my own ideas and passion are no longer restricted to only textual and imagery presentations.
Besides, I am always longing to build up my own deisgner website.ePortoflio will be the best place to start. In terms of the layout, I will want to make a cutting-edge design with flash and other interactive web design tools.
Basically, I love everything that relates to design: product design, architecture, graphic design, fashion design...
this will be an ideal layout for my designer ePortfolio:
http://www.initialfashion.com/
Moreover, this ePortfolio not only shows my another personal passion, but also for job interviews and any business opportunities. Since Fall 2008, I have been working part-time as a graphic designer at school. Aside the projects I have been doing in the studio, I also cooperate with some of my friends on-campus to help design things for other companies. With all the experiences I gained at school, ePortfolio will definitely help extend my business outside campus. It also allows me to network with prominent designers on the web, or even look for potential partners to work with.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
2nd blog research-ePortfolios
When I first started googling the ePortfolios based on my best interest - ePortfolios of fashion designers worldwide-I was surprised by the diversity and variety of ePortfolios available on the web. They range from professional fashion designers to little kids who are trying accomplish an ePortfolio school project.
1. StylePortfolios by designer Margarita Vidal
http://www.styleportfolios.com/portfolio.php?username=margarita16
Strength: The ePortfolio is well-organized. The resume and background information are clearly stated on the front page. Just a quick scan, I have already gained a pretty good understanding of the level of profession and the experience of the designer. The top of the page displays the links to some of her past works. There is a sufficient number of images and works to be viewed. Besides, there is not a restricted security system on the portfolio, it eases the accessibility to the portfolio for the general public.
Weakness: Overall the ePortfolio is well-presented. The only thing I will criticize is the size of the fonts. The tiny size of the font will hinder people who are visual impaired from viewing the page. Also, the densely distributed paragraphs will make reader less impatient to read through all the information. Moreover, she doesn't mention any contact information anywhere. In this case, readers who are interested in knowing more will not be able to reach the author.
2. Elizabeth's ePortfolio
http://www.utexas.edu/academic/cit/eportfolio/portfolio/?portfolio=97
Strength: This is a very brief and simple ePortfolio when comparing to other versions. It has clear buttons, and the resume was clearly organized by menu buttons on the left hand side. The words are readable.
Weakness: Overall the portfolio appears to be too brief and it seems to be incomplete. There is only a word document that is available to be reviewed. As an ePortfolio of a fashion designer, I expect to see not only the face of the person, but also a visual presentation of her works.
3. Catherine Climaco's ePortfolio
http://eportfolio.cfa.arizona.edu/resume.php?portid=469
Strength:This is a very crisp and clean layout. All the useful information such as the contact, employment history, participations, objectives, etc. are presented. What impressed me most is that she even mentioned her teaching goals and vision as a teacher in art and design. This personalizes the employment portfolio.
Weakness:Again, this portfolio is lack of graphical presentations. This hinders the visual interaction with the readers, which is important in art designs.
4.Rona E's ePortfolio
http://www.jurgita.com/models-id145234.html
Strength: Her pictures are well-picked with artistic taste. Her fashion model pictures are attractive and truly reflect the Rona's high level of profession.
Weakness:However, her resume is too brief. She only post a welcome note and a few experience on her portfolio. It will be better if she also mentions about her visions and reasons for working in this field. In addition, her education and employment background will also help readers to gain a better understanding.
5.Mousumide's ePortfolio
http://www.mousumide.com/index.htm
Strength:This is my most favorite ePortfolio out of the 5. Not only do I like her designs, but also the design of the overall layout. Her ePortfolio is professionally made with well-organized links and abundant amount of information about herself. Her ePortfolio is well-balanced with her art works and the amount of information. Fantastic:) I totally enjoyed reading it!
Weakness: It would have been perfect if she also provides some more pictures of the works she display on the "Project" section. She only gave a brief description about the fascinating projects she did in the past. It will definite satisfy my thirst of curiosity If she has an extra section to display more pictures of each project.
1. StylePortfolios by designer Margarita Vidal
http://www.styleportfolios.com/portfolio.php?username=margarita16
Strength: The ePortfolio is well-organized. The resume and background information are clearly stated on the front page. Just a quick scan, I have already gained a pretty good understanding of the level of profession and the experience of the designer. The top of the page displays the links to some of her past works. There is a sufficient number of images and works to be viewed. Besides, there is not a restricted security system on the portfolio, it eases the accessibility to the portfolio for the general public.
Weakness: Overall the ePortfolio is well-presented. The only thing I will criticize is the size of the fonts. The tiny size of the font will hinder people who are visual impaired from viewing the page. Also, the densely distributed paragraphs will make reader less impatient to read through all the information. Moreover, she doesn't mention any contact information anywhere. In this case, readers who are interested in knowing more will not be able to reach the author.
2. Elizabeth's ePortfolio
http://www.utexas.edu/academic/cit/eportfolio/portfolio/?portfolio=97
Strength: This is a very brief and simple ePortfolio when comparing to other versions. It has clear buttons, and the resume was clearly organized by menu buttons on the left hand side. The words are readable.
Weakness: Overall the portfolio appears to be too brief and it seems to be incomplete. There is only a word document that is available to be reviewed. As an ePortfolio of a fashion designer, I expect to see not only the face of the person, but also a visual presentation of her works.
3. Catherine Climaco's ePortfolio
http://eportfolio.cfa.arizona.edu/resume.php?portid=469
Strength:This is a very crisp and clean layout. All the useful information such as the contact, employment history, participations, objectives, etc. are presented. What impressed me most is that she even mentioned her teaching goals and vision as a teacher in art and design. This personalizes the employment portfolio.
Weakness:Again, this portfolio is lack of graphical presentations. This hinders the visual interaction with the readers, which is important in art designs.
4.Rona E's ePortfolio
http://www.jurgita.com/models-id145234.html
Strength: Her pictures are well-picked with artistic taste. Her fashion model pictures are attractive and truly reflect the Rona's high level of profession.
Weakness:However, her resume is too brief. She only post a welcome note and a few experience on her portfolio. It will be better if she also mentions about her visions and reasons for working in this field. In addition, her education and employment background will also help readers to gain a better understanding.
5.Mousumide's ePortfolio
http://www.mousumide.com/index.htm
Strength:This is my most favorite ePortfolio out of the 5. Not only do I like her designs, but also the design of the overall layout. Her ePortfolio is professionally made with well-organized links and abundant amount of information about herself. Her ePortfolio is well-balanced with her art works and the amount of information. Fantastic:) I totally enjoyed reading it!
Weakness: It would have been perfect if she also provides some more pictures of the works she display on the "Project" section. She only gave a brief description about the fascinating projects she did in the past. It will definite satisfy my thirst of curiosity If she has an extra section to display more pictures of each project.
techno-ePortfolios
What technology tools can I/we use to construct an electronic portfolios?
In Dr. Helen Barett's FAQ section, I am glad that she explained this particular question in much details. As I have no sense at all in terms of technical knowledge, the long list of software and web tools have already set me aback. Many tools like Wordpress.com, Zoho Writer, Nuventive's iWebfolio, My eCoach...are TOTALLY foreign to me. (Honestly speaking, out of the thousands of software applications, Powerpoint is the only software I am most familiar with...)Nevertheless, this question intrigues me to think about the strengths and advantages of this new assignment I am going to encounter in this class.
Despite the fact that the long list of tools is too overwhelming to swallow, presenting assignments in form of ePortfolios revolutionizes the conventional educational system. It is a huge step of switching the learning environment from physical classrooms to the boundless Internet world. This strategy not only allows our education to make good use of the "flat world tools"(Friedman's ideas!), but also makes education more interactive, and the research field more knowledgeable and in-depth. With the aid of ePortfolios, students are able to do research and modify their work entirely online, their creativity and intelligence are no longer bound by geographical and physical constraints. For example, all information you need is just a button away on the web. People no longer need to commute to far distance libraries and research centers to conduct their studies or portfolios. Besides, when students accidentally make a mistake, regardless they are big or small, they do not need to redo the whole thing. Instead, all they can do is to click Undo, and rearrange everything.
Another important advantage is that students will be trained to prepare themselves for the rapid technological development. ePortfolios are becoming more and more popular not only for education purposes, but also the career field. People use ePortfolios to promote their expertise; artists use them to share their art works; others use them for job interviews...It has been a general trend to present one's ideas in such fashion. Hence, ePortfolio classes equip students with the top-notch techniques and enhances their competitiveness.
All in all, ePortfolios is a new learning tool we all have to use in the future. Even though everything has to be learned from scratch, it is a miracle tool that helps opening many doors of opportunities. I admit it will be hard to learn, but I am prepared to face this challenge!:)
In Dr. Helen Barett's FAQ section, I am glad that she explained this particular question in much details. As I have no sense at all in terms of technical knowledge, the long list of software and web tools have already set me aback. Many tools like Wordpress.com, Zoho Writer, Nuventive's iWebfolio, My eCoach...are TOTALLY foreign to me. (Honestly speaking, out of the thousands of software applications, Powerpoint is the only software I am most familiar with...)Nevertheless, this question intrigues me to think about the strengths and advantages of this new assignment I am going to encounter in this class.
Despite the fact that the long list of tools is too overwhelming to swallow, presenting assignments in form of ePortfolios revolutionizes the conventional educational system. It is a huge step of switching the learning environment from physical classrooms to the boundless Internet world. This strategy not only allows our education to make good use of the "flat world tools"(Friedman's ideas!), but also makes education more interactive, and the research field more knowledgeable and in-depth. With the aid of ePortfolios, students are able to do research and modify their work entirely online, their creativity and intelligence are no longer bound by geographical and physical constraints. For example, all information you need is just a button away on the web. People no longer need to commute to far distance libraries and research centers to conduct their studies or portfolios. Besides, when students accidentally make a mistake, regardless they are big or small, they do not need to redo the whole thing. Instead, all they can do is to click Undo, and rearrange everything.
Another important advantage is that students will be trained to prepare themselves for the rapid technological development. ePortfolios are becoming more and more popular not only for education purposes, but also the career field. People use ePortfolios to promote their expertise; artists use them to share their art works; others use them for job interviews...It has been a general trend to present one's ideas in such fashion. Hence, ePortfolio classes equip students with the top-notch techniques and enhances their competitiveness.
All in all, ePortfolios is a new learning tool we all have to use in the future. Even though everything has to be learned from scratch, it is a miracle tool that helps opening many doors of opportunities. I admit it will be hard to learn, but I am prepared to face this challenge!:)
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
rice = luxury?
The issue on the ricing price of rice becomes a hot topic nowadays.
Recently, I found an interesting international research on the web about this topic.
rising price of rice by Mong Palatino
The entry shows a wide spectrum of opinions from different countries in terms of the soaring prices and the problem of rice shortage. Most people see it as a threat to the economy, and the poor in specifically. Top rice importers such as Indonesia and the Philippines pay much attention to the population that remains under the poverty line. Since rice is a vital commodity that feeds a lot of people in the world, especially the poor, the incredibly high cost and shortage of rice supply will definitely hurt the majority worldwide. On the other hand, a higher price on rice will only cause a pricier inconvenience to the rich. Unfortunately, the less harmed only takes up a fraction of the world's population. There are still many people can only afford an amount of rice for a day's need, or in many cases, a meal's need. Over time, if the price kept on soaring till it is no longer affordable, this imposes a potential prelude of a devastating famine.
It is interesting that the author not only addresses the different political and economic views of the issue, but also the nature of rice, in which he believes it gives an impact on the crippling effect. I totally agree that, to many countries, rice is not just "a food that fulfills hunger"(Mong article). It is spiritual commodity that people eat for health and custom. Eating rice is a respect to the effort paid by the farmers. Rice almost symbolizes a culture, a respect and a satisfaction. Just like Mong mentioned in the entry that "In Vietnamese it is polite to say ‘please eat rice’ (mơi ăn cơm) before every meal – even if the meal is noodles"(Mong). We can tell there is a vast proportion of the world's population cannot live without eating rice.
In order to prevent the dooms day ever happen, the author also proposes that the government should take action in order to suppress the price back to a balancing point. For instance, imposing subsidies on these important staple foods helps ensuring "supply security locally and to support farmers that remain on the poverty line"(Mong). Backup policies in helping the poor to get through difficulties in higher cost of living, help lessen the potential spread of poverty. Keeping domestic or imported stocks in case of an acute rice shortage will ease the potential threats in the future, etc.
After all, the rice issue is definitely a global problem that requires countries to hold hand in hand. Ideally, countries are willing to assist each other, then the problem will ease off before it hits the boiling point.
Recently, I found an interesting international research on the web about this topic.
rising price of rice by Mong Palatino
The entry shows a wide spectrum of opinions from different countries in terms of the soaring prices and the problem of rice shortage. Most people see it as a threat to the economy, and the poor in specifically. Top rice importers such as Indonesia and the Philippines pay much attention to the population that remains under the poverty line. Since rice is a vital commodity that feeds a lot of people in the world, especially the poor, the incredibly high cost and shortage of rice supply will definitely hurt the majority worldwide. On the other hand, a higher price on rice will only cause a pricier inconvenience to the rich. Unfortunately, the less harmed only takes up a fraction of the world's population. There are still many people can only afford an amount of rice for a day's need, or in many cases, a meal's need. Over time, if the price kept on soaring till it is no longer affordable, this imposes a potential prelude of a devastating famine.
It is interesting that the author not only addresses the different political and economic views of the issue, but also the nature of rice, in which he believes it gives an impact on the crippling effect. I totally agree that, to many countries, rice is not just "a food that fulfills hunger"(Mong article). It is spiritual commodity that people eat for health and custom. Eating rice is a respect to the effort paid by the farmers. Rice almost symbolizes a culture, a respect and a satisfaction. Just like Mong mentioned in the entry that "In Vietnamese it is polite to say ‘please eat rice’ (mơi ăn cơm) before every meal – even if the meal is noodles"(Mong). We can tell there is a vast proportion of the world's population cannot live without eating rice.
In order to prevent the dooms day ever happen, the author also proposes that the government should take action in order to suppress the price back to a balancing point. For instance, imposing subsidies on these important staple foods helps ensuring "supply security locally and to support farmers that remain on the poverty line"(Mong). Backup policies in helping the poor to get through difficulties in higher cost of living, help lessen the potential spread of poverty. Keeping domestic or imported stocks in case of an acute rice shortage will ease the potential threats in the future, etc.
After all, the rice issue is definitely a global problem that requires countries to hold hand in hand. Ideally, countries are willing to assist each other, then the problem will ease off before it hits the boiling point.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
The elf fantasy U-Museum
Dear visitors,
Welcome to the mysterious fantasy museum " The Elfish Castle". Being the founder of the museum, it is my pleasure to give you a brief introduction to this confusing maze you are about to enter.
Instructions:
Please don't bring in your food or drinks into the galleries, except some specific rooms.
Talking is fine, but no gossiping.
Do not touch anything without permission, it will hurt the heart of the museum.
No littering.
No swearing.
*cough* As you can tell, I am a complicated and picky person. Are the instructions too sophisticated to follow? Wait till you enter the galleries...
Transport(optional):
In consideration with the long journey you will be encountering, a movable chair will transport you to many different places in the gallery. It includes a call service function, a GPS, and an audio tourist guide.
Enjoy your trip!
"At fiRst Sight"
My mind is a sophisticated mixture of dilemma. One appears in too many sides. There are so many galleries that even I lost count, sometimes. So I will just name a few distinctive attractions to you. The very first place you will all enter is the gallery called "At fiRst Sight". The most welcoming, generous, articulated, and artistic side that everyone is able to visual on the surface.
Yet, its majestic sensation and taste sometimes impress people too much that they feel distant.
Yet, its majestic sensation and taste sometimes impress people too much that they feel distant.
"The tiny dooR"
This is a tiny room you will soon enter after the majestic gallery. The proportion of the entrance just fits a normal person's height.(On the surface, I might give you a cold impression, but I really want to get close to anyone I know)Before you enter the room, you will have to walk through a long and narrow hallway that cushioned with comfy stuffed toys. Hope that loose you tension a bit!
Guess what comes next...
a tRopical ResoRt!
This is a tiny room you will soon enter after the majestic gallery. The proportion of the entrance just fits a normal person's height.(On the surface, I might give you a cold impression, but I really want to get close to anyone I know)Before you enter the room, you will have to walk through a long and narrow hallway that cushioned with comfy stuffed toys. Hope that loose you tension a bit!a tRopical ResoRt!
As long as my friends are happy, and they enjoy my company, I feel content and delight.
I always hope that my presence provides them a place to relax, enjoy, and laugh.
I always hope that my presence provides them a place to relax, enjoy, and laugh.
The entry to the maze
My innermost mind empowers the most sophisticated side. It is your pick to go which way. One room is a bright happy wonderland with green patches running across the plain; colorful rainbows sparkles on the sky; sweet flowers of different seasons blooming in all directions...An optimistic heaven.
In contrast, there's a room that is always dark and gloomy. Weeds, and thorns grow out from the moldy walls. Blood drips from the ceiling...It is the "pessimistic haunted house".
I am passionate about almost everything I am in love with: music, people, drawing, architect, biology, nature, fashion, lifestyle, design, philosophy, reading, talking, photography...
The collection of my passion is infinite. It is a room full of doors, just like a classic library with countless categories and collections...
Once you enter the gallery, you will see numerous doors vertically stack on one another
(just as picture shown)that lead you to different dimensions of me.
Before you are too exhausted to stay any longer, there is the "daRk Room" you are mandate to enter. It is a place where you cannot see yourself; a place you cannot distinguish the color of the sky; a place you cannot feel your emotion nor senses; a place you will stop and think a lot; a place to hide yourself... a place you are still alive.
The dark room is an important place in my life. I enjoy staying in the dark, but I am also trying to escape from it. It is a part I want to share to my friends yet no one understands.
It sounds overwhelming and bizarre to imagine that all the contradictions, and multiple blocks all fit into one person. But yes, this is me. I am not expecting any visitors to understand everything at once, or to scare you away. Instead, here I open mysterious self to you, and hope you will return one day to discover more treasures in this precious place.
Welcome to my home :)
Sincerely,
Elfina
founder of the museum
In contrast, there's a room that is always dark and gloomy. Weeds, and thorns grow out from the moldy walls. Blood drips from the ceiling...It is the "pessimistic haunted house".
I am passionate about almost everything I am in love with: music, people, drawing, architect, biology, nature, fashion, lifestyle, design, philosophy, reading, talking, photography...
The collection of my passion is infinite. It is a room full of doors, just like a classic library with countless categories and collections...
Once you enter the gallery, you will see numerous doors vertically stack on one another
(just as picture shown)that lead you to different dimensions of me.
Before you are too exhausted to stay any longer, there is the "daRk Room" you are mandate to enter. It is a place where you cannot see yourself; a place you cannot distinguish the color of the sky; a place you cannot feel your emotion nor senses; a place you will stop and think a lot; a place to hide yourself... a place you are still alive.The dark room is an important place in my life. I enjoy staying in the dark, but I am also trying to escape from it. It is a part I want to share to my friends yet no one understands.
It sounds overwhelming and bizarre to imagine that all the contradictions, and multiple blocks all fit into one person. But yes, this is me. I am not expecting any visitors to understand everything at once, or to scare you away. Instead, here I open mysterious self to you, and hope you will return one day to discover more treasures in this precious place.
Welcome to my home :)
Sincerely,
Elfina
founder of the museum
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