Fall 2018 Journal

Welcome Adventurers!

Below you will see your Quest Log. All the dates you see below are the "turn in dates," meaning you must have the quests in before you sign into your session on said date for full Experience Points.

Be mindful of naming schemes and where to turn in the quest.

What are we doing in session?

Discuss Avatars
What is Digital Writing?
What is Multimodality?
Lecture Notes

What quests are due?

Read: DW – Chapter 1: Digital Writing (p. 1-29)

Read: W/D – Chapter 1: What are Multimodal Projects? (p. 3-29)

Do: “Hello, Avatar” assignment (5xp)

Do: Make a name tag using 8.5" x 11"

Extended Quest Explanation:

"Hello, Avatar"

5xp
What is an avatar? How do avatars function? Read this excerpt before starting your quest:
From Hello Avatar: Rise of the Networked Generation
“In contemporary language an avatar is a computer-generated figure controlled by a person via a computer. It is often a graphical representation of a person with which one can interact in real-time. I make the case for an expanded definition of avatar that includes a wider array of media forms and platforms such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), instant messaging (IM) and short message service or text messaging (SMS), and uses of social and locative media. I argue a broader scope of avatar activity in order to understand better how we are engaging current networked media.

I use the term ‘networked media’ to describe technologies that are connected to a distributed transmission network such as the Internet or cell towers. In such a case, ‘networked’ speaks to a technical affordance. However, I also use the term to invoke a cultural sense of connectivity with one another. Network theory outlines a set of behaviors to which a variety of systems—technical, natural, or social—adhere. One of the primary characteristics of a network is its distributed rather than hierarchical structure. As opposed to a regimented order, network connections can happen across nodal points in a multitude of directions. A networked gathering then, as I attribute it, involves both a technical and cultural sense of ‘networked.’ In the cultural dimension of network, the great shift I see is the connection between online and offline experiences.”
(Coleman, 2011, p. 12).

You will be using an avatar in this class as a public and digital persona. I want you to think critically about the difference between your different personas: Who are you as a student? An employee? A writer? Who are you online?

You are you create an avatar. This avatar can be drawn, designed, or taken from a cited online source. It can be your favorite character, someone from a video game, or a badass picture you found online. The two things you have to follow are 1) It must be "animated" in some way. It cannot be a photo of a real person. It must be a digital recreation. 2) The image must only have one avatar in it (no group pics). Feel free to manipulate images using software.

After you create your avatar, take a selfie and upload both images side-by-side in a GoogleDoc. Underneath, include your handle/avatar name/screen name, etc. as well as your Myers Briggs*** (click HERE or HERE) results, then answer the following questions:
1. Why did you choose the avatar that you did? What was the process in its creation/selection?
2. Comparing the selfie and the avatar, what do the two images say about you as a person? As a student? As a [insert age here]? As a writer?
3. What is the story behind the handle you chose? Why did you craft it in such a way?
4. Are you surprised by the classification of the Myers Briggs test? Why is it different? What were your percentages? (can be a screenshot)

Answer all of these questions in paragraph form. Each number should get at least a three sentence response. Use this personal writing as a way to reflect on yourself and your public image. You can write the minimum (at least 300 words) or you can write three pages. Whatever you send me, I will read.

After you answer everything in your GoogleDoc, title it "Last Name - Avatar Name - Hello, Avatar" and email it to me at cstuar2@clemson.edu

***Even if you already know your Myers Briggs identification, please take the test and record your percentages.

Art Cred: christianamiel21

Created for Minecraft

Created in Super Smash Brothers for the WiiU

What are we doing in session?

Affinity Spaces
Video Editing (Introduction to Premiere Pro)

Download these assets: One, Two, Three, and Four

What quests are due?

Read: James Paul Gee's Teaching, Learning, Literacy in Our High-Risk High-Tech World: A Framework for Becoming Human (Chapters 10 &11)

Do: Raid 1 - Part 3

Do: Mapping your Affinity Quest (5XP)

Extended Quest Explanation:

Mapping Your Affinity

(5xp)

No specialization required.

Knowing who you are and acknowledging your affinity spaces are two of the most important aspects of learning. We are part of many spaces simultaneously, but we don't always acknowledge them. Gee gives two examples (p. 113; p. 121). Each site/space should indicate where "learning, mentoring, or teaching could go on" (p. 114). The affinity space map should be a big picture map that indicates current spaces of learning, mentoring, or teaching (by current, I mean spaces that you engage with on a semi-regular basis).

For this quest, you will map out your current affinity spaces with Clemson University at the center. Think about what disciplines, clubs, organizations, work spaces, work groups, and extended communities you are part of. Be conscious of where you are placing them. Try to color code them based on similarities and make sure you include a legend. When finished, export or screen capture the map and put it into a GoogleDoc. List the spaces below the image and give a one sentence description.

I recommend using Canva to create your affinity space map: Click Here for details on how to do so.

To submit: Name your GoogleDoc: "Last Name - Avatar Name - Mapping Your Affinity". Then, put in appropriate Quest folder and link on Quest Log Sheet.

What are we doing in session?

The Rhetorical Argument
Argumentation in Video

Lecture Notes

What quests are due?

Read: DW – Chapter 3: Digital Arguments (p. 71-105)

Read: DW – Chapter 4: Digital Analysis (p. 107-152)

Do: Journey Log #2 (See Below)

Extended Quest Explanation:

Day in the Life Of (Journey Log #2)

For Journey Log Two, you will create a "Day in the Life of" video. First, choose a day that you want to record. Then, periodically throughout the day, record yourself and/or your surroundings. Try to combine recording yourself talking, voice-over, and text to explain your day. You may want to include Snapchat, Instagram, or Facebook pictures with filters and annotations. When you have completed your day (end with going to bed), you can then edit your recordings and images in Premiere Pro. Your goal is to be somewhere near four and five minutes. If you would like to do a longer video, you may do so.

4-5 minute edited video
Use of text, voice-over, and recorded voice.
Can use external video and images (use citations when necessary).
Should use music as background, but be mindful of copyright because this is a public video.

When you have completely edited your video in Premiere Pro, export it. Upload it to Youtube under either Public or Unlisted. Then, embed it into your Journey Log!

Links for Free Music and Images! (Click Me)
"Day in the Life of" Examples (One) (Two)
Critical "Day in the Life of" style (Click Me)
How to Add Text in Premiere Pro (Click Me)

Student example ONE
Student example TWO

Need Music? Click here for free music

What are we doing in session?

The Video Remix
Making a Trailer

Lecture Notes

What quests are due?

Read: W/D – Chapter 2: How Does Rhetoric Work in Multimodal Projects (p. 34-54)

Do: Annotating your Affinity (See Below)

Extended Quest Explanation:

Annotating your Affinity

(10xp)

When you look at your affinity maps, do they match your daily routine? Do you frequent some nodes more than others? Are some nodes currently dormant? Do some have stronger connections for you?

For this quest, you are to copy your affinity map (yes, copy, not replace) and update it to reveal at least the three following elements: frequency, identity shaping, longevity, importance, digital/physical, and/or positive/negative.

Make sure to use a legend, multiple colors, and symbols to indicate the extra information on your affinity map.

Specializations

Note: Read carefully. Some of the specializations require you to edit your Day in the Life Of video.

Warrior: Write a 250 word rational for your annotations on the affinity map (symbols, colors, etc.)
Ranger: Find two sources for one of your affinity nodes (not your central Clemson node). Write a detailed description of the node and your personal history with it (150-200 words).
Mage: Insert transitions at every cut (some can be subtle and others could be drastic) and include text for each affinity space you come across in your Day in the Life of Video. Re-upload the video to your Journey Log.
Bard: Record a voiceover narrating your Day in the Life Of video. Re-upload the video to your Journey Log.

All Specializations need to edit their Day in the Life Of videos to include a title card and end credit. Make sure to re-upload the video to your Journey Log.

Please submit the new annotated affinity map under the "Annotate Your Affinity" folder and link it to the Quest Log. Make sure to include your new YouTube video link at the bottom of the document if applicable.

What are we doing in session?

The Review as a Technical Genre
How do we talk about software?

Lecture Notes

What quests are due?

Read: Clara Fernández-Vara's Introduction to Game Analysis (Chapter 1 - The Whys and Wherefores of Game Analysis)

Make sure to take notes. This is the foundation for Raid 2 - The Review

Do: Remixing a Favorite (See Below)

Do: Journey Log #3

Extended Quest/Journey Log Explanation:

Remixing a Favorite

(10xp)

Continue your work in session and finish your quest for Tuesday.

What is a trailer? We have seen them many times before, but have you ever attempted to make one? This is your opportunity to test your electrate knowledge of making trailers!

I want you to find clips from YouTube, Venmo, or another source and edit it together to make a trailer no longer than one minute and thirty seconds. Since this is using copyright material, this will not be hosted on YouTube when you are done (more details on submitting below). When putting together your video, think about your audience, purpose and context (the rhetorical situation). You also want to remember the lesson "Film is a Language." Rewatch the lecture videos and try to pull in color, motion, music, and transitions for your overall effect. Think about audio balance and what types of music you could use. Experiment and have fun. Think about the following:

Cut to music.
In film, everything makes a sound (silence can be thought of as sound).
Use motion to your advantage.
Jump cuts and smooth transitions can heighten the emotion.
Every second should be planned and filled.

Please submit your Exported Video from Premiere Pro directly to the "Remixing a Favorite" folder and link it to the Quest Log. Remember to add your process video/pictures to your Journey Log #3.

Journey Log #3

For Journey Log #3, you are to reflect on your experience thus far with Adobe Premiere Pro. You have now made two drafts of your Day in the Life Of video and have worked through a video remix. Use your specialization and Habits of Mind to reflect on what it has been like to use a video editing program. Make sure to include either a video or at least four images of your timeline in Premiere Pro to show your process. Video recording of your screen should be done using Camtasia (click HERE to download from the CCIT site).

For more guidance, look at the Journey Log Page of this site.

What are we doing in session?

The Review as a Technical Genre
Choosing Software and your Partner

What quests are due?

Read: Clara Fernández-Vara's Introduction to Game Analysis (Chapter 2 - Preparing for the Analysis)

Read: Clara Fernández-Vara's Introduction to Game Analysis (Chapter 3 - Areas of Analysis 1: Context)

Make sure to take notes. This is the foundation for Raid 2 - The Review

Do: Duck, Duck, Goose (See Below)

Extended Quest/Journey Log Explanation:

Duck, Duck, Goose

(10xp)

Choose three (3) different pieces of software that you would potentially like to review for Raid 2. Include a hyperlink to more information about the software and a brief (two to three sentences) explanation as to why you want to review that software.

The software can be a game or piece of production software. It can be an Internet Browser or Management Software. As long as you are analyzing software, it should be ok.

To submit, please put all three in a single GoogleDoc under the "Duck, Duck, Goose" folder under Quests. (This does not have to go to the Quest Log sheet)

What are we doing in session?

The Review as a Technical Genre
Choosing Software and your Partner

What quests are due?

Read: Clara Fernández-Vara's Introduction to Game Analysis (Chapter 4 - Areas of Analysis 2: Game Overview) [read sparingly]

Read: Clara Fernández-Vara's Introduction to Game Analysis (Chapter 5 - Areas of Analysis 3: Formal Elements) [read sparingly]

Read: Clara Fernández-Vara's Introduction to Game Analysis (Chapter 6 - Writing the Analysis)

Make sure to take notes. This is the foundation for Raid 2 - The Review

Do: Journey Log #4 (open topic)

What are we doing in session?

Chris was absent

What quests are due?

Read: W/D - "Chapter 3: Why is Genre Important in Multimodal Projects?" (p. 60-83)

Read: W/D - "Chapter 4: How Do You Start a Multimodal Project?" (p. 86-107).

Do: Journey Log #5 (Minecraft Education)

Learning a new program opens up a world of adventure, wonder, and frustration. Learning how to operate inside Minecraft: Education Edition is no different. If you are a PC gamer, the ASDW and Mouse movement commands are as familiar to you as typing on the QWERTY keyboard. If you are a console gamer, you may yearn for your XBOX or Playstation controller to move around. With a bit of practice, the keyboard and mouse will become second nature. And, of course, you don't need a mouse, but it is preferable.

When you first step into the world of Minecraft, you may be disoriented and confused and that is where a good tutorial comes in. The world linked below is the same world we navigated through as a class. If you need a refresher on controls--or just more practice--go to the tutorial section once more and move through the obstacle course. If you want to go to fresh terrain to build, take the path to the open build area. If you want to move straight to your assignment, go to the castle, find your guide, and get to work. The guides are located throughout the castle and will provide you with your task based on your specialization. Make sure to follow their instructions! Keep time of how long it takes you to do the assignment. Once you find the guide, run a stopwatch and record the final time in your Spark Page somewhere.

Oh, also, make sure you turn on creative mode. Before you open the game, click on the pencil and change the mode to creative. It will make things easier, but make sure you don't Left Click on the guide. They will disappear!

Document your progress either by using Camtasia or the camera function in-game. Make sure to provide pictures/video of the progress and final build in the journey log. Make sure to caption your photos and write at least one paragraph on your process of planning/building.

Minecraft is a vast world of possibilities where your mind is one of the only limitations. In addition to your quest through the guide, reflect on Minecraft in your Journey Log. Remember to use at least one Habit of Mind and keep your specialization in mind. Here are some guiding questions to lead you through your Journey Log:

What was your first reaction to Minecraft? If you have played before, how was this experience similar or different?
Minecraft is an open sandbox game that's main purpose is creativity and collaboration. How would you respond to these two things in your experience?
Was your planning and focus on process different than that of previous compositions? How so?
What are the limitations and affordances of the game as you see it right now?
Did you look up tutorials or help guides?

To Enter World:
To enter the world, download THIS FILE. Make sure it is in a folder that is easy to find. When you click on Play on the Minecraft: Education Edition start screen, you will see a door with an arrow at the top. Click on that, and load the world. You should find the world in your list.

Hint, if you killed your guide, here is what they said:
Bard
"Find an empty location in or around the castle and build a magnificent library. Remember, a good library has plenty of light, books, and places to read. Make sure you document your process!

Warrior
“I want you to build a defensive wall with a walkway for our troops. The back of the castle is defenseless! That is a good place to start. Remember to document your process!”

Mage
“Enter the portal behind you and embark on the Nether. Make a structure and record your processing using Camtasia. Once complete, edit and export the video.”

Ranger
"Your quest is to find a house or building somewhere online and then reproduce it. Find a plot of land behind the castle and build your structure and document the process. Make sure you cite where you found the image."

What are we doing in session?

Organizing your Writing

Lecture Notes

What quests are due?

Read: DW - Chapter 6 -Digital Research (p. 191-222)

Do: Journey Log #6 (Your Software Experience)

Extended Quest/Journey Log Explanation:

Journey Log # 6 - Your Software Experience

For this journey log, I want you to talk about your process and experience so far with your chosen software. You should use the Journey Log guide to determine how to shape this journey log (based on specialization and habit of mind).

Some things to think about:

Have you ever analyzed/researched a software in this comprehensive way before?
What are you learning about the software that you didn't know before?
Does the research change your experience in the software?
Are you spending more time trying to find sources than usual?

Remember to update your link on your Spark Page!

What are we doing in session?

Peer Review

What quests are due?

Re-Read: Clara Fernández-Vara's Introduction to Game Analysis(Chapter 6 - Writing the Analysis)

Do: Peer Review Draft - Raid 2

Extended Quest/Journey Log Explanation:

Part of the class will be dedicated to reviewing another pair's draft. The requirements for the draft are below:

The draft should be AT LEAST 1000 words without references.
The draft does not have to be absent of errors. Reviewers are reading for content.
The draft should have information from your two content areas.
Make sure to have some sort of introduction.
At the top of the draft, you should have: Names, Software, a Creative Title, and a statement about your greatest need.
Make sure you name the document "Collaborator 1 Last; Collaborator 2 Last - Raid 2 Peer Review

If you do not have a draft, or if your draft is not close to 1000 words, you will not be participating in peer review and will lose points towards Raid 2.

How to conduct peer review

link

Make sure you have a statement at the top for your greatest need.
Highlight the first word of a paragraph that you think is your strongest in Orange.
Highlight the first word of a paragraph you think needs extra attention in Purple.
You are to review the team above and below you (alphabetically).

When reviewing, please follow these guidelines:

Look for points that are unclear and comment on them. Why are they unclear?
If you find something very clear and strong, make sure you indicate that to the author.
If something seems contradictory, explain how you came to that conclusion.
If the sentence is hard to understand or read, indicate why (punctuation, word choice, subject/verb agreement, tense shifts).
If you find something that is an overgeneralization or untrue, indicate so and explain why.

We will be reviewing one in class, and one for homework (due Friday by 11;59pm).

What are we doing in session?

Multimodal Document Design

What quests are due?

Do: Work towards final Raid 2 draft

Do: Make sure both peer reviews are done. Look at Thursday, Oct 11's panel for details.

A Note about Version Control

When you receive your comments, you should read them over intently. You shouldn't resolve any comments on the draft, INSTEAD, you should Make a Copy.

To make a copy in GoogleDocs, click on File > Make a Copy.

You will see the below image show up. Choose the "Final Draft" folder and check off the two boxes below. Finally, rename the document to include "Final Draft" after Raid 2.

When you are done, you can open up the Final Draft version and make appropriate changes, resolve comments, and still maintain both versions.

What are we doing in session?

Interviews
Being objective
Raid 3/4 connection

What quests are due?

Do: Journey Log #7 (Writing Collaboratively)

Do: Raid 2 Final Draft

Extended Quest/Journey Log Explanation:

Journey Log #7

Writing Collaboratively

For this journey log, you should reflect on the writing process of Raid 2. This should include the following:

Talk about the planning process.
Talk about the research process.
What was it like splitting work and collaborating on writing?
What was it like revising with another person?
What would you do differently for another collaborative project.

Note: You do not need to include a Habit of Mind nor a specialization

What are we doing in session?

OPTIONAL WORK DAY

What quests are due?

Read: Morey - Chapter 10 "Design" (PDF)

Do: Journey Log #8 (Infographics)

Extended Quest/Journey Log

Journey Log #8

Infographics

For journey log #8, you are to make an infographic for your software that covers the following information:

Based on your intent for Raid 3, choose either Infogram or Illustrator, and create an infographic that you will use in your Raid.

What are we doing in session?

Introduction to Coding
Make sure you have the most updated version of Minecraft: Education Edition (Updated Oct 31)
https://minecraft.makecode.com/
Introduction to Raid 5

What quests are due?

Do: Raid 4 - Lessons for Learning

Do: Journey Log #9 (Tutorials)

Extended Quest/Journey Log Explanation:

Journey Log #9

When submitting to the Journey Log, title the entry: H1 “Raid 4 – Video Series Reflection” H2 Date of Submission

If working solo:

Your reflection should be around 250 words and include screenshots of the recording, editing, and submitting phases of the raid. You should discuss at least one (1) Habit of Mind and your overall experience with making the video series.

If working collaboratively:

Each collaborator must submit their own reflection on their journey log. Each reflection should be a minimum of 500 words and include screenshots or photos of their role in the raid. Each collaborator should explicitly talk about their role, but also what it was like collaborating on such a project. Make sure to mention at least one Habit of Mind.

What are we doing in session?

Raid 5 Full Introduction

What quests are due?

Read: W/D - Chapter 7 "Working with Technologies" (p. 172-204)

Do: Coding Tutorial

Extended Quest Explanation:

Coding Tutorial

For this quest, I want you to engage in coding that is related to your Raid 5 project. You have an option to either code in Minecraft or to use HTML through CodeAcademy.com:

Using Minecraft:

The newest update to Minecraft: Education Edition (Came out around Oct 31) should be downloaded to use the code editor. Go to education.minecraft.net and download the newest update.

When you have the game downloaded, go into a world and you can now press "C" to get into the coding suite. Using "MakeCode," you can then use the block coding to make mods. For the quest, take some screenshots of the coding as you are making it, and create at least four (4) mods. Take screenshots or make a short video to show it in action.

Using CodeAcademy

Go to codeacademy.com and complete both the "Introduction to Code Academy" and the "Introduction to HTML Lesson 1." Take a screenshot of the certificate at the end of each and include them in your reflection.

Note: If you know the basics, you can do any full lesson of any language you desire.

Reflection

Open a GoogleDoc and name it "Coding Tutorial" with your name and avatar name. Write a short (250 word) reflection about your experience with the coding and what you learned or what is different than what you expected. Make sure you embed your images and link any videos you may have.

Extra Credit:

If you want extra credit, you can do extra lessons on CodeAcademy.com for extra credit. For each lesson (of any language) you complete, screenshot the certificate and put in your reflection for 2XP each.