Journal #4

In the past couple of weeks, so much has changed with my project!  Two weeks ago I participated in a group desk crit where I presented a prototype in the form of a PowerPoint.  Those participating in the group desk crit were able to critique my prototype and give me meaningful feedback.  I have since used that feedback to help develop my project.  Instead of struggling with Dreamweaver, I have transitioned to Weebly which is much more manageable for me.  This past week, I was able to create the barebones of my website using Weebly and to play with some of its functions.  So far, I really like how it is coming along.  I have also found that my attitude about my project is improving!  I now look forward to working on the project now that I'm not intimidated by DW.  My next challenge will be to play with the code to further tailor the site to fit my needs. 

Over the past couple of weeks, I feel that my project has shifted from being media (or tool)-centric to message-centric.  The purpose of my project is to recognize teachers at my school for their use of technology in the classroom setting.  Though my website, I hope to encourage more teachers to utilize the tools that are readily available to them.  Gibbons states, "Message-centric design places primary importance on message-related constructs and employs media onstructs...secondarily."  First and foremost, I want to communicate the importance of technology usage in the classroom.  Second, I hope to develop my skills in the area of web development.  As I continue to work on my project, I will seek the help of those that have more experience in this area than I do. 


Gibbons, A. S. (2003). What and how do designers design? TechTrends, 47(5), 22-25.ploys media constructs

(main idea, explanation, line

of argument, dramatization, etc.) secondarily