What Has Helped Me Learn This Semester

The thing that helped me learn the most in this class was working with my peers. When we would have drafts due to go over in class with each other, not only would they give me great ideas for where to go with my projects on paper ("formal" feedback), but when I would see their work and what they had done, I would feel inspired with even more ideas. Feedback from my classmates has definitely helped me take my projects in directions that I would not have taken them completely on my own.

There isn't too much that I can suggest you do differently the next time around! I obviously wish that we had more time to work on projects, but sometimes that isn't really possible :-) Some of the readings this semester were really long and really dense (even for a super-duper-reader such as myself, ha ha), and I can understand the context and purpose of such readings, but that would be my only complaint. Sometimes on the calendar page you provided a little paragraph on what the piece was about, which really helped connect the ideas.

I loved the relaxed atmosphere of our class (at 8 am it was really wonderful!) and the interesting things we've learned about experimental texts. While I know that what we've covered in class is just a sample, I really gained a lot of new understanding and insight into literature that one day I can use in my own classroom to keep high schoolers interested in literature and reading :-)

The Short and Final Projects

Well, here it is! The final two animations of the semester. I can't believe that we're here already! Before you go and click all of the links I've provided, I'd like to clarify a few things. (Maybe I'm making a mistake by doing this, but maybe not... we'll see...)

First, I have decided to make what I once called the Short Project into my Final, and the new animation I am submitting as my Short Project. I've done this for a number of reasons: First, the animation known as "The One" is far more complicated than the "Christmas" animation. While I am very proud of both of them, I would change absolutely not one thing on "The One."

Second, "The One" has some background music which I think would make for a more enjoyable final project presentation. While I tried to find some slightly-creepy Christmas music for the background of "Christmas," I couldn't find anything that seemed to work right. If I had more time, that is one thing I would change about that animation. The silence bothers me.

Finally, I believe that "The One" reflects more of my personality (bright, happy) as opposed to "Christmas" being more mysterious, and so I'd like my final project to be more of a reflection of who I am. I attempted to compose something more dark and mysterious in "Christmas" after being inspired to think outside the box with some of the animations I've viewed in/for this class.

Ok, enough of me talking! On to the good stuff! Enjoy my masterpieces!

For my Short Project, "Christmas," click here.

For my Final Project, "The One," click here. (Turn the sound on!)

What I want to take away...

This class has definitely taught me a lot. I have learned to think "outside the box" when it comes to text... when I write, I no longer am simply writing.... I am composing something. I feel like more of myself becomes visible when working with animated text, and I can personalize it more and evoke more of audience response. I feel more confident with my own works that I have written, and I am anxious to show them off to everyone! It's not simply presenting someone with something that I've written... It's showing them a piece of me. At times it has felt a bit scary. When I show my pieces to others, I become very protective of it, and seeking feedback makes me scared that they will judge what I have done in a negative light. (But, when thinking about it, isn't that true for anything you invest in?)

This class has taught me the importance and necessity of revision. I alwaysalwaysalways think that I need to revisit what I've written/done/ composed after taking this class.

This class has taught me to have fun with what I write. And even in the anger and battles with my computer and the flash program, I've learned how to do that :-)

A Response to My Responses...

The feedback I received in class today was soooo helpful!!! I definitely have a clearer direction with where I want to go with my storyline, and how to make that happen "animated-ly." Also, by watching the pieces that others had in class, I was inspired to try some different ideas out with the animation of my text.

I think that the reason why I liked my feedback this time as opposed to the shorter project was because I gave them more of a context for what was going to happen in the piece, as well as the type of feeling that I wanted them to have while watching it. More background information definitely helped!!!!!

I think the next steps for me will be to shorten the "Once upon a time...", make it seem a bit darker with more fading, and make the words appear clearer against the Christmas tree background. After that, we'll see where it goes!!!

-The newly engaged SarahElizabeth :-)

Final Project: A Rough Draft

Here is one of the rough drafts for my final project. Please keep in mind that it is a work in progress, and any and all feedback would be appreciated. :-)

My Short Animation

Here's my short animation. I am so proud of the way that it turned out! Before you view it, make sure you have the volume turned on onto your computer, as there is some music to listen to with it.

To view my masterpiece, please click here!

What Ideas I Want to Hold On To (from today's class...)

Today's class was insanely thought-provoking. The balance between the novel and the familiar, the experimental and the same-old same-old.... what is it about the tension between these that is so difficult?

When we are presented with that novel or experimental thing (whether it is a food, a text, a movie, or clothing style), unless there is a little bit of familiar in there somewhere, it can be difficult to comprehend.

Even now, my brain can't really summarize or complete my thoughts. Grr!