Lesson 7: Legal, Ethical, and Societal Issues in Media between developing and developed countries on an

and Information Literacy international scale.

This State the objectives of the milestones on how the Internet has
helped humanity reach, but stress the possible dangers of using
the Internet. There are possible dangers of using the internet using
the image below.

Computer addiction
● the excessive use of computers to the extent that it interferes
with daily life. This excessive use may for example interfere
with work or sleep, result in problems with social interaction,
or affect mood, relationships, and thought processes.

This under the lens of RA 10175: Cybercrime Law

What is RA 10175 or Cybercrime Law?
● RA 10175 punishes content-related offenses such as
cybersex, child pornography, and libel which may be
committed through a computer system.
● Individuals found guilty of cybersex face a jail term of prison
mayor (6 years and one day to 12 years) or a fine of at least
Cyber Bullying
P200,000 but not exceeding P1 million.
● bullying that takes place online, or using electronic
● Child pornography via computer carries a penalty one degree
technology such as cell phones, computers, and tablets over
higher than that provided by RA 9775, or the Anti-Child
communication tools including social media sites, text
Pornography Act of 2009. Under RA 9775, those who
messages, chat, and websites.
produce, disseminate, or publish child pornography will be
Fair Use Guidelines
fined from P50,000 to P5 million and slapped a maximum
● In its most general sense, fair use is any copying of
jail term of reclusion Perpetua or 20 to 40 years.
copyrighted material done for a limited and “transformative”
● Persons found guilty of unsolicited communication face
purpose, such as to comment upon, criticize, or parody a
arrest (imprisonment for 1 month and 1 day to 6 months) or a
copyrighted work. Such uses can be done without permission
fine of at least P50,000 but not more than P250,000, or both.
from the copyright owner. In other words, fair use is a
Copyright
defense against a claim of copyright infringement. If your use
● a legal device that gives the creator of a literary, artistic,
qualifies as fair use, then it would not be considered an
musical, or other creative work the sole right to publish and
infringement.
sell that work. Copyright owners have the right to control the
Lesson 8: Opportunities, Challenges and Power of
reproduction of their work, including the right to receive
Media and Information
payment for that reproduction. An author may grant or sell
● Society is heavily influenced by media and information. It is
those rights to others, including publishers or recording
no surprise then that media and information have been linked
companies. Violation of a copyright is called infringement. to social changes. Oxford bibliographies referred to social
Plagiarism change as a significant alteration of social structure.
● an act or instance of using or closely imitating the language Opportunities
and thoughts of another author without authorization; the Here are some of the opportunities offered by media and
representation of that author's work as one's own, as by not information:
crediting the original author. ● Online Shopping
Digital divide The action or activity of buying goods or services via the
Internet
● economic inequality between groups in terms of access to,
Examples:
use of, or knowledge of ICT. The divide within countries
➔ Online Application
(such as the digital divide in the United States) can refer to ➔ Website
inequalities between individuals, households, businesses, and ➔ Social Media
geographic areas at different socioeconomic (and other ● Citizen Journalism
demographic) levels. The Global digital divide designates The collection, dissemination, and analysis of news and
countries as the units of analysis and examines the divide information by the general public, especially by means of the
 Internet. new scarce resource. The overflow of information calls for
Example: new skills and tools to manage data, news, and opinions.
➔ Social Media PARADIGM 6. FROM EDITOR-MEDIATED TO
➔ Newspapers NON-MEDIATED
➔ Broadcast ● Worldwide publishing without editors, but with a close peer
The Internet as a Tourism Support review daily process and in most cases open to comments
● The Internet can help people to promote their products and from readers is the nature of social web publishing. Hence,
cultures that have beauty and uniqueness. the agenda of relevant current affairs goes beyond the
Challenges:
established media land and now is shared with a wide variety
Phishing
of new sources, most of them not media.
● is the attempt to obtain sensitive information such as
PARADIGM 7. FROM DISTRIBUTION TO ACCESS
usernames, passwords, and credit card details (and, indirectly,
● The access paradigm is complementary with the user center
money), often for malicious reasons, by disguising as a
paradigm and both explain the strong interactive nature of the
trustworthy entity in an electronic communication.
new environment. Access means to seek, search, navigate,
Human trafficking
surf, decide, an active attitude, a will to connect and
● The illegal practice of procuring or trading in human beings
communicate, the contrary of the passive reception of media
for the purpose of prostitution, forced labor, or other forms of
content.
exploitation.
PARADIGM 8. FROM ONE WAY TO INTERACTIVITY
Falsified Information
This has three levels:
● It is colloquially termed "fake news", which is fabricated and
➔ First level: the possibility for the user to choose the
circulated on social media platforms in order to create
format of information display (browser and navigation
confusion among the subscribers known as the "netizens".
interface configuration).
Power of Media and Information
➔ Second level: the possibility for the user to produce input
Media
● Media power' means here the concentration of symbolic for a system. This contribution could be co-authoring,
power in media institutions, particularly those of television, writing comments, answering pools and tests, posting
radio, and the press (the common-sense definition of 'the news, and so on.
media'), although the long-term impact of new media on ➔ Third level: the possibility for the user to communicate
media power is considered in the article's conclusion. with other users of the system in real or delay time.
Information PARADIGM 9. FROM LINEAR TO HYPERTEXT
● is a form of power that is based on controlling the ● Hypertext becomes the grammar of the digital world. The
information needed by others in order to reach an important pathways of the info spaces are built on links. Creating and
goal. activating links online could be the new name of
“Content is fire. Social media is gasoline.” - Jay Baer alphabetization. Reading and writing by linking, this is,
exploring and creating hypertextual environments daily is the
Lesson 9: Current and Future Trends of Media and most strategic skill digital natives are achieving.
Information PARADIGM 10. FROM DATA TO KNOWLEDGE
The 10 New Paradigms of Communication in the Digital Age ● The extraordinary amount of data these days brings back the
PARADIGM 1: FROM AUDIENCE TO USER role of media as social managers of knowledge. Today, the
● The communication process in the actual scenario is strategic mission of media is the information about the
user-centered: users have the control to choose, to decide, to information: information intelligence, interpretation, filtering,
search, to define and configure, to subscribe or unsubscribe, and searching combined with the challenge of new
to comment, and, most important: to write, talk and film. interactive multimedia narratives and delivered by a wide
PARADIGM 2. FROM MEDIA TO CONTENT range of channels.
● The media convergence has reset media identity. Media Trends in Digital Technology
brand image becomes one of the most valuable activities of ● Many of the technological advances we are seeing today will
media companies: a source of credibility and prestige for shape our daily life in the future – the way we relax, interact,
digital content. communicate, and conduct business. From virtual worlds,
PARADIGM 3. FROM MONOMEDIA TO MULTIMEDIA avatar emotions, artificial intelligence, computer-generated
storytelling and narrative, interactive 360 holographic
● The multimedia identity of the actual environment allows all
images, mixed reality, stress disorder virtual therapies and so
media industries to converge online and traditional media much more.
(press, broadcast, movies). Online media are multimedia, and ● ICT will continue to advance, empower, and transform every
multimedia is a new language. aspect of our life.
PARADIGM 4. FROM PERIODICITY TO REAL-TIME ● Check out some of these emerging technologies and trends.
● Sharing news and opinions with the ability to interact in Haptics Technology
real-time is the seed of cybercommunities. However, ● Is a feedback technology (using computer applications) that
opportunities for reflection diminishes when information takes advantage of the user’s sense of touch by applying
comes and goes as quickly as time, but today’s fast-paced force, vibrations, and/or motions to the User.
information promotes dynamism and new conversational ● Simple haptics is used in-game controllers, joysticks, and
styles. steering wheels and is becoming more common in
PARADIGM 5. FROM SCARCITY TO ABUNDANCE Smartphones.
● Space for the print media and time for broadcast media ceased ● Haptics is gaining widespread acceptance as a key part of
to be the limit to content and now the time of the user is the virtual reality systems (i.e. computer-simulated
 environments) - adding the sense of touch to previously ● Giving a speech while information is streamed to your
visual-only solutions. eyeglasses in real-time
● It is also used in virtual arts, such as sound synthesis, graphic ● Receiving turn by turn directions as you walk toward your
design, and animation. destination
● There are many possibilities for Haptics to be applied to ● Viewing virtual recipes while cooking without losing your
gaming, movies, manufacturing, medical, and other rhythm
industries. ● Walking down the street, seeing one of your friends show up
● Imagine your doctor operating on your local hospital from his "on-screen" 2 blocks and 1 cafe away
computer in Australia. Lesson 10: Media and Information Literate Individual
Contextual Awareness Implications of Media and Information
● By combining ‘hard sensor’ information such as where you
● Every citizen must be media and information literate.
are and the conditions around you, combined with ‘soft
sensors’ such as your calendar, your social network, and One of the proponents for this conclusion dates back to
past preferences - future devices will constantly learn about 2010, in the 3rd United Nations Alliance of Civilizations
who you are and how you live, work and play. (UNAOC) Global Forum in May 2010 in Rio de Janeiro Brazil. In
● As your devices learn about your life, they can begin to one of its thematic sessions focusing on the social impact of
anticipate your needs. Imagine your PC advising you to media literacy, media literacy was identified as “an empowerment
leave home 15 minutes early or take a different route to tool that facilitates the active participation of citizens in the
avoid a traffic jam on your way to work.
political process of contemporary societies.” MIL is considered as
● Consider a “context-aware” remote control that instantly
determines who is holding it and automatically selects the a platform for social inclusion, especially in the new digital
Smart TV preferences for that person. environment, where the youth who are becoming more and more
Voice and Tone Recognition exposed to social media, are challenged to become more involved
● Not only can voice and tone recognition be used to confirm a participants in their communities. Moreover, the new digital
person’s identity but tone recognition can be used to detect a environment promotes a certain “participatory culture” that
person’s health or emotional state. empowers individuals to get actively involved in democratic
● This technology will open new opportunities in security and societies, thus enabling them to participate in social discourse and
healthcare – with mobile applications. deeper dialogue with their communities.
Lesson Proper Education is the key factor to inform societies about the
Intelligent Routing to Devices implications of media and information literacy. Thus, UNESCO’s
● This future technology will be useful to, for example, local Teacher Training Curricula for media and information literacy
councils. was highlighted as the new resource that identifies the core
● While on the move, staff will be able to provide the precise competencies and areas in general education associated with MIL.
In 2010, discussions on MIL were not yet highlighted in existing
description and location of a street-based issue using
curricula for general education around the world. Therefore, the
Smartphones and mobile devices that can take photos and need to educate people in this brand new perspective was seen as
have GPS (global positioning system) support. a much-needed course of action.
● Intelligent routing will then alert the responsible team to The endpoint of the 2010 Rio de Janeiro Forum was the
action. identification of the attributes of media and information literacy: a
Eye-Tracking Technology necessary source for social inclusion, and a platform that
Eye-tracking technology measures eye positions and movements facilitates the development of citizenship participation in
which are analyzed through computer applications. Future pluralistic societies. All MIL initiatives, whether within or beyond
laptops, smartphones, and tablets could contain thousands of tiny the formal education settings, were regarded as key elements for
imaging sensors built into the display screen. Eye-tracking the promotion of intercultural dialogue.
technology could have many possible applications, including: Meant for a Better World
● Law enforcement – lie detection ● UNESCO refers to Media and Information Literacy as the
● Airport security – identifying suspicious behavior, e.g. to essential competency and skills that enable people to engage
catch terrorists before they strike with media and other information providers effectively and
develop critical thinking and life-long learning skills to
● Retail – recording, monitoring, and analyzing consumer
socialize and become active citizens. Therefore, media and
behavior to ‘tailor’ marketing to individuals information literate individuals have improved the quality of
● Safety - alerting and awakening a drowsy or distracted driver life, show active participation in politics, promote economic
would save many lives opportunities, enjoy an improved learning environment and
● Health care – assisting people with disabilities or paralysis to become a more cohesive social unit as an individual.
communicate (laptop) and improve mobility (electric ● The following implications of media and information literacy
are extracted from the “E-Learning Guide on Media and
wheelchair) Information Literacy” available at https://sites.google.com/.
● Human-computer interaction – using screen icons and a Media and information improve quality of life
blink here or a gaze there. Say goodbye to the mouse and
● Anyone can attest that life before is different than life today.
keyboard.
The dawn of every age in history has always been brought by
Internet Glasses developments that change society’s way of life. From the
Technology that can display images directly onto our retinas stone age ushered by cavemen who developed stones as
while not blocking our sight is being developed. This technology tools, to today’s information age brought about by media and
can be used in eyeglasses and have uses ranging from e-Gaming information technologies, the change of era from then until
to military defense. In the next 10-20 years, experts predict that now is prompted by the desire to make things better.
Internet glasses will replace Smartphones. Imagine these viewing ● There is no denying the extent of how the media and
experiences: information age have drastically improved the lives of
● Seeing building schematics and locations of others people. Communication has been made easier. Information
(especially useful for security or firefighters) has become widely accessible. Conducting research has
 become more convenient. There is entertainment content for good which is then equated to a good life. Traditional
everyone. Things that used to take time to long-distance learning environments have caused people in general to lose
communication are now instantaneous. The cost of getting their appetite for knowledge. Luckily, media and information
information is down from exorbitant to incredibly cheap – have cleansed society’s palate and have reinvented learning.
often even free. What was one for the select few, is now for ● Media does not force-feed information to unwilling receivers;
everyone. All these and more are enjoyed by media literate instead, media has made information sought after. By
individuals and prove just how much the quality of life has offering a wide variety of content through various platforms,
improved thanks to media and information. there is information that would appeal to everyone. The
Media and information for greater political participation media also made learning a choice instead of a necessary
● The media and the government have a long-standing evil. After all, no one is commanded to “google” a topic or
relationship in the field of public service. While the enroll in a certain online course, people who do so choose to
government serves the people by leading the nation towards do it. Since the media is a source of information and the
progress, the media serve them by informing the public about information age is characterized by the abundance of data,
subjects they need or want to know. Politics is persisting in media and information have been closely linked to the
media content, particularly in news. improvement of the learning environment in the present age.
● Former President Benigno Aquino III once alluded that the A media and information literate individual takes advantage
Filipino people are his boss. Unlike bosses, however, not of this to further his or her lifelong learning process.
everyone has the time or resources to verify if those in the Media and Information individuals as more cohesive social
government serve the best interest of the Filipino people as a units
whole. So the media does this job for them. It is said that the ● The concept of unit cohesion stems from a military concept
media serves as the eyes and ears of the masses in the of the bond soldiers have that makes them more effective in
government. Through media reports of government activities working together to complete a mission. Media and
and issues, the public is informed of the political affairs in the information literate individuals are said to be more cohesive
country and is further encouraged to take a more active role social units than those who are not. By keeping them
in the government. informed, as well as connecting them in ways that were not
Media and information promoting economic opportunities possible before, media and information literacy become more
● The media industry has grown in number in today’s cohesive social units. This creates a bond that does not only
information age both in content and in the workforce. The have relational implications but also creates societal impacts.
open content contribution nature of the new media has made ● The media is said to have the power to affect social change.
it possible for ordinary individuals to offer their materials for While this is true, it is not the media that does the heavy
consumption often for free or at times for a cost. Typically, if lifting to create change in society, it is the individuals in the
online content is free but has gained popularity, advertisers society who developed a clamoring need for change because
will offer to buy digital ad space on a web page. Even of the media. The media and information literate individuals
YouTube, a free video host, pays video contributors if their sharing that same goal, the development would not occur.
videos get enough views or if their channels have a high Lesson 11: Text and Visual Dimensions of Information
subscriber rate. The paid content, on the other hand, creates and Media
direct revenue. Free or not, media and information give Text: A Discussion
contributors a platform for earning additional income. ● Text may be defined as a simple and flexible format of
● The influx of media offerings has indeed led to the creation presenting information or conveying ideas whether
of more jobs in the media. Of course, if there is an increase in hand-written, printed, or displayed on-screen. It is very
content, there’s a need for more people to manage them. The powerful in disseminating information, providing direction,
convergence of various media platforms has created hybrid and giving suggestions.
mediums that require experts to run them. The persistent ● Text is available in different sources, which may be
need to always be in the know has called for specialists to categorized into two:
maintain the ubiquitous nature of media and information. 1. Formal: Examples of these are news articles, published
New jobs like social media managers or multimedia books, newspapers, magazines, advertisements, research
specialists have been created because of this growth. Even works, etc. Formal text-based materials are created and
IT-based jobs which were once rarities in the media are now a distributed by established institutions (such as publishing
necessity. As media and information grow, so do jobs that companies, news agencies, etc.) and go through a
require media and information literate individuals and when rigorous process of editing or evaluation and are usually
jobs grow, so does the economy. Employment or the lack governed by censorship of the state.
thereof persists as an economic problem in most developing 2. Informal: Examples of these are blogs, personal emails,
countries like the Philippines. The media industry in the age SMS or text messages, online messengers, social media
of information plays a vital catalyst role to address that. platforms, etc. They come from personal opinions or
Media and information for the improvement of the learning views on different issues, processes, etc.
environment ➔ Text can be as short as a single sentence or phrase, or it
● Many believe that media and information have made learning can be as long as news articles or investigative reporting.
easy, accessible, and inexpensive. While these are true, the No matter how brief or lengthy, however, a text is always
improvement in the learning environment brought by media carefully written with the intent of sending a very
and information goes beyond convenience, availability, and specific message to the target audience.
cost. Its true implication is that it made learning an object of As consumers of text media and information, we need to ask
desire. For so long, the concept of learning has been a sore questions regarding the text content to ensure its reliability:
subject for many. This is not because everyone is just
● Who or what institution is sending this message?
innately opposed to learning -in fact, the birth of the
information age proves the exact opposite- but because the ● What techniques are used to attract and hold attention?
learning environment people were exposed to is simply ● What is the language used by the writer?
unattractive. For so long learning has been perceived as a ● What views are represented? Are they balanced?
tedious yet necessary part of everyone/s lives. Learning in ● How might the message be interpreted in different ways?
schools meant understanding – or at least attempting to- ● What is omitted (removed), slurred (unclear), or added in
subjects for the sake of passing or getting good grades. One’s the message?
education is given importance because it is a prerequisite to a
 As producers of text media and information, we need to 3. Proximity- How near or how far are the text elements from
review the media and information design framework: each other. When two things are closely related, we bring
● target audience, them close together. Otherwise, we put text elements far from
● author or sender, each other. For example, the main title and subtitle are
● key content, usually placed close to each other.
● purpose,
4. Alignment- How the text is positioned in the page. This can
● form/style, and
be left, right, center or justified.We are oriented to read from
● format.
Text as Visual left to right, that is why text aligned to the left is the most
Typeface font, font type, or type) is the representation or readable text orientation. This may look appealing for
style of a text. A typeface is usually composed of alphabets, headers, titles of poems, but ling centered text must be
numbers, punctuation marks, symbols, and other special avoided because it doesn’t go with the usual reading
characters. Fonts in digital format are installed in forms such as orientation. Text aligned to the right may look decorative, not
True Type Font (.ttf), Open Type Font (.otf), etc. Fonts convey to the extent of using it for long texts.
different emotions and meanings, and you must be very careful in 5. Organization- A conscious effort to organize the different
choosing the
right font for text elements in a page. Organization ensures that while some
your text elements are separated from each other (based on the
content. principle of proximity), they are still somehow connected
with the rest of the elements in the page.When there are
many elements needed to fit in a page, start by creating a
framework or a compartment for the elements. Divide the
space by creating lines across the page, making it look like a
cabinet with various space sizes. Once you are done
compartmentalizing, you can place the different text elements
on the boxes. Read a newspaper and observe how a large
amount of text is organized: narrow columns, consistent main
text, and varying headers all contribute to this.
6. Repetition- Concerns consistency of elements and the unity
of the entire design. Repetition encourages the use of
repeating some typefaces within the page. When several
typefaces are used on a page, it might distract the audience
and fail to communicate what you want them to get from the
content. To strike a balance, do not also use just a single
typeface for a visual design product.
7. Contrast- achieved when two elements are different from
each other. When you place a white text on a very light
background, contrast is not achieved and the text will be
difficult to read, with the right mix of light and darkness. Try
using large font with small font, serif with sans serif, thick
lines with thin, and cool color with warm color.
Visual Information and Media
Visual information and media are materials, programs,
applications, and the like that teachers and students use to
formulate new information to aid learning through the use,
analysis, evaluation, and production of visual images. The
following are types of visual media:
1. Photography

Design Principles and Elements

The principles in designing text elements are emphasis,
appropriateness, proximity, alignment, organization, repetition,
and contrast. Observe how these elements are presented in each
text frame.
1. Emphasis- The importance or value given to a part of the
text-based content. When trying to make a point highlighting
a message, you can make the text bold, italicized, have a
heavier weight, darkened or lightened (depending on your Mt.
background color) or enlarged. Makiling, shot using a phone camera
2. Appropriateness- To how fitting or suitable the text is used 2. Video
for a specific audience, purpose or event. In the creation of A scene from the short film “Kinamulatan”
text-based content, male sure that the selection criteria (tone, 3. Screenshot
style, purpose, clarity) is followed. Screenshot from a typical online class
 Design Elements
The primary purpose of visual information is to gain attention,
create meaning, and facilitate retention, but how can you create a
striking visual? First, you must consider the visual elements or the
basic units in the construction of a visual image. The Design
Elements are:
1. Line- This
describes a
shape or
outline. It can
create texture
4. Infographic and can be
thick or thin.
Lines may be
actual, implied,
vertical,
horizontal,
diagonal, or
contour.
Lines provide meaning also. Horizontal lines are more static and
calm; vertical lines command attention and stability; diagonal
lines may convey movement; and contoured lines may evoke
5. Comic strips / Cartoons turbulence, playfulness.
2. Shape- the geometric area that stands out from the space next
to or around it, or
because of differences
in value, color, or
texture. Shape may
also be organic.Three
6. Meme implied geometric
shapes can be found
in the picture above:
diamond, octagon,
and triangle.

Organic shapes, like the

eggplant pictured above,
are irregular and
asymmetrical in
7. Graphs / Charts appearance and tend to
have curves, as in the case
of shapes found in nature.

3. Value- The degree of

light and dark in a
design. It is the
contrast between
black and white and
all the tones in
between. Value can
be used with color as
well as black and
white. Contrast is the
extreme changes
8. Visual note-taking between values.
4. Texture- The way a
surface
feels or is
perceived
to feel.
Texture
can be
added to
attract or
repel
interest in
a visual
 element. Two contrasting visual textures are presented in this should not actually be in the center. In fact, you must avoid the
picture taken in Bolinao, Pangasinan: the smoothness of the “dead center" in placing the portion that you wish to highlight.
sea and the roughness of the contorted branches. The basic rule in “The Rule of Thirds.” Divide the frame into
5. Color- Determined by its hue (name of color), intensity three portions horizontally and vertically using imaginary lines,
(purity of the hue), and value (lightness or darkness of hue). and place the point you wish to highlight at any of the four
Color and color combination can play a large role in the intersecting points.
design. Color may be used for emphasis or may elicit Putting the lines on the picture above, the girl’s face, which is the
emotions from viewers. Color may be warm, cool, or neutral. center of interest, is right on an intersection point. Hence, the
It plays a major role in our visual perception, as it influences picture has an interesting
our reactions to the world around us. It is therefore important composition.
to create color palettes that evoke the appropriate audience In portraiture, one tip in order
reactions. to command the center of
interest in close-ups (such as
the picture of Liza Soberano)
is to place the dominant eye at
the center of the frame. By
doing so, the image would
have the illusion of staring
back at you. (I did an exercise
with my previous classes on
assessing the impact of visuals
seen in magazines, and we all
6. Form- A figure having volume and thickness. An illusion of realized that many of Liza
a 3-dimensional object can be implied with the use of light Soberano’s photos in her
and shading. printed product endorsement in
magazines all had her dominant eye at the center. Photo: "Hope
Elizabeth ''Liza'' Soberano DOB January 4, 1998 (age 20 years)"
by aeroman3 is marked with CC PDM 1.0
2. Balance
a feeling of
visual equality
in shape, form,
value, color, etc.
Balance can be
symmetrical
and evenly
balanced, or
Through digital means, shadows are placed in the drawing above asymmetrical
in order to provide a three-dimensional effect. and unevenly
On the other hand, thick pen strokes are used to achieve volume balanced.
and thickness on the sketch in this sketch. Objects, values,
Principles in Visual Design colors, textures,
The visual appeal of artworks depends on their adherence to shapes, forms,
principles of design. However, there is no strict commandment in etc. can be used
designing. The personal preferences of the artist remain a prime in creating balance in a composition.
contributing factor in designing visuals. 3. Harmony
Consistency of margins, typeface, typestyle, and colors is brings together a composition with similar units. If for
necessary, especially in slide presentations or documents that are example, your composition was using wavy lines and
more than one page. organic shapes, you would stay with those types of lines and
When designing posters, I tend to be minimalist. I highlight not put in just
important points by lessening the other accessorial designs, like in one geometric
the case of this poster for my school, wherein I used a slight shape. (Notice
geometrical gradient. I used only two dominant colors to go with how similar
the white – blue and gold, our school’s school colors. I gave Harmony is to
variation in the text by using only two fonts, Impact and Arial, Unity - some
and aside from the DepEd logo at the bottom, I placed only a sources list both
derivation of the caring emoji, with the schools logo replacing the terms).
heart.
1. Center of interest On the left is the
an area that first attracts attention in a composition. This cover design
area is more important when compared to the other objects illustrated for an
or elements in a entry to the 2nd
composition. This National
can be by the Competition on
contrast of values, Children’s Storybook Writing. The designer decided to change the
more colors, and cover page on the published version since the desire is to put an
placement in the element of surprise on who the “friends” are. The focus was on
format. circles, which is the shape of the characters’ eyes. The result is a
playful harmony of common shapes and colors fit for young
In a picture, the learners.
center of interest
4. Contrast 1. Extreme Wide Shot / Extreme Long Shot
offers some This reveals to the viewer the world where the story takes place.
change in Through this
value creating shot, the
a visual audience must
discord in a have a feel of
composition. the time and
The contrast place of the
shows the story – whether
difference it is morning or
between evening, hot or
shapes and can cold, wet or
be used as a background to bring objects out and forward in dry, and so on.
a design. It can also be used to create an area of emphasis. The subject
5. Directional Movement may be shown on a small scale in order to picture his/her relation
a visual flow through the composition. It can be the to the scene.
suggestion of motion in a design as you move from object 2. Wide Shot / Long Shot
to object by This shot
way of establishes the
placement character and how
and he/she is related
position. to the scene. The
Directional characters can be
movement seen from head to
can be toe. Because of its
created with wide coverage,
a value the wide shot can
pattern. It is also be used as an
with the placement of dark and light areas that you can establishing shot. This can also be used as a master shot, which
move your attention through the format. On the left, the introduces a new location or scene.
lines implied by the children’s arms provide a direction that 3. Full Shot
leads to the element that unites them: a trophy. On the right, Like the wide
the blurred image of children in frenzy during the Buhayani shot, the full
festival evokes a sense of directionless motion. shot also shows
6. Rhythm the character
a movement in which some from head to
elements recur regularly. toe, but this
Like a dance, it will have a time around,
flow of objects that will the character is
seem to be like the beat of already the
the music. You can find focus. Through
rhythmic patterns this, you can
everywhere, from a simple clearly see what the character looks like as a whole or what he/she
cup of cappuccino prepared is doing.
by a barista to a festive 4. Medium
street dance. Shot
7. Perspective The character is
created through the arrangement of objects in seen wasting up.
two-dimensional space to look like they appear in real life. This is often
Perspective is a learned meaning of the relationship between used in dialogue
different objects seen scenes because it
in space. is wide enough
to show two or
Lines disappearing in more characters
the horizon and objects but close enough
getting smaller conveys to show details.
a perspective of 5. Medium Close-up
distance. In this still This shot rests
from the short film between the
“Awit ng Puso,” the medium shot
child is seen moving far beyond, and the viewer gets the hint that and the
he still has a long way to go before him. close-up, with
Types of Shots the subject
Photo essay, which is a series of photos that tell a story, and in framed from
film, which is practically a series of frames also. To achieve this, shoulders up.
you must remember that capturing visuals is not just a matter of Through this
point and shoot. Shots must be planned and well-framed to shot, more
contribute well to the story. A single frame may give so much body
meaning already, so if you add other frames, then you can get language can complement the facial expressions to show
much more. Here is a list of the types of shots (Contis, 2019). emotions.
 way in which we usually see people, this camera angle can help
6. Close-up the audience connect with the subject.
This frames the 4. Low angle
character’s face A low-angle
and provides shot is taken
emotional from below the
clues that subject’s eye
cannot be line, pointing
effectively upwards. This
shown with the camera angle
medium shot. makes a subject
Other things look powerful
may be shown and imposing.
up close – shaking hands, tapping feet, etc, Tip: Cropping the 5. Worm’s-eye view
crown of the head in a close-up conveys a more intimate appeal.
The worm’s-eye view camera angle looks at an object or subject
7. Extreme Close-up from below. It is
This is a commonly used
tighter frame to capture tall
that highlights elements in the
the facial scene, such as
features or trees or
any subject skyscrapers, and
more. It can put them in
be highly perspective. This
detailed, much type of camera
more intimate, shot is mostly
emotionally taken from a
heightened, and even uncomfortable to view. subject’s point of view.
Camera Angles and Points of View 6. Over the Shoulder Shot
Establishing the angles of your shots will also help in Also called OTS
providing the desirable meaning on visuals. Through this, you can or third person
suggest a specific emotion, establish strength or weakness, or take shot, this is
the story from the eyes of a character. Here is a list of shots based created by placing
on angles and points of view (Ricart, 2018). the camera at the
1. Bird’s-eye view back of one
The bird’s-eye view is character while
the name given to the facing the other
type of shot taken from character. This is
an elevated point. As its used to highlight
own name indicates, it the relationship of
offers a perspective characters in a dialogue.
similar to that which 7. Dutch Angle
birds see while flying. Also called
Drones may be used to Dutch tilt, canted
capture this type of shot, angle, or oblique
such as the picture on angle, this shot is
the left. However, you noticeably tilted
can still do this shot as long as you strategize your location, like or tipped. This is
shooting a subject while you are standing on a bridge. used to signal to
2. High angle the viewer that
A high-angle shot something is
is taken pointing wrong,
the camera down disorienting, or
on the subject. As a unsettling (Lannom, 2020)
result, the subject Lesson 12: Audio and Motion Dimensions of Information
is seen as and Media
vulnerable and Audio Media
powerless. Sound is an essential component of media. Your choice of sound
3. Eye-level and means of sound production can make or break the
The eye-level information you wish to convey.
shot is Introduction
considered the The sounds that are used in multimedia presentations come in
most natural different types. What are these? Marshall (2001) cites three:
camera angle.
Music
Capturing the
● Music often elicits emotions and arousal from listeners
shot at eye level
Calvert (2014).
offers a neutral
perception of ● It is effective in mood setting and stimulates listeners in
the subject. performing various personal tasks such as studying and
Because it is the meditating, as well as social functions like for courtship
rituals, for the creation and maintenance of friendships, as a
 topic of conversation, and as a way to encourage dancing scene, keep everybody silent and let the natural ambient sound go
(Roberts & Christenson, 2001 on Calvert 2014). with the action.
● Adolescents use music primarily for mood regulation Create your own soundbank.
(Christenson & Roberts, 1998). A sound bank comes in handy in case you need all-natural
● Females consider music as a means to improve their mood or and original sound. Keep your sound recorder (your phone, that
dwell on melancholic emotions, while males are more likely is) handy at all times. Record a quiet night with only crickets and
to use music for excitement. (Larson, Kubey, & Colletti, cicadas making sound, a rainfall, a busy street, strong winds, and
1989, on Calvert, 2014) more. When the time comes that you would need ambient sound,
Sound effects you will already have something available.
Sound effects make specific points, providing a hint to the setting Go for original music, otherwise, search for royalty-free music.
in the absence of visuals (e.g., squeaky doors, explosions, rustling When you upload a video with incorporated copyrighted
leaves, etc.) music, social media might instantly mute it because it violates
a. Hard sound copyright rules. In case you really need that particular song, ask
Those that appear on the screen and are synchronized to the somebody to do a cover of it for your use. Social media will not
picture, recorded directly as what they are. mute covers. Aside from this, you may opt to use royalty-free
b. Foley sounds music. Oftentimes, the creators of this music do not ask for any
Equally synchronized on-screen but are not the original royalty or talent fee except that their works must be duly cited in
sound as what they appear to be. That means that they are the end.
recorded and mixed to appear as another sound on screen. Eliminate unnecessary noise as much as possible.
c. Background sound Sometimes, you cannot demand complete silence because
All sounds that indicate ambiance settings. They do not of some circumstances. Based on our experience, our most
need to be synchronized to the picture. Ambiance sounds common sound problems are wind, industrial noise, neighborhood
are usually recorded in real-life application in nature and noise (including the videoke), uncontrollable bystanders, and an
then mixed. Common background effects include weather unmindful production team. The remedy is simple: shut them up
ambiance and forest ambiance, traffic sounds, etc. or move away. For instance, we shot a scene along the river, and
even if we want to record the natural sound of rushing water, we
d. Design sound
just could not do it because the river is right beside the
Describes a palette of sounds that usually do not occur in
expressway. To solve the problem, we went to another creek, far
nature (laser weapon). They may be created from scratch
from any unwanted noise, and recorded
with various audio editing tools and with the help of effect
processors.
Narration
Narration is a spoken message that often gives the most direct
information. This is the most essential content in some media
formats, such as audiobooks designed for visually impaired
people or for those who want an alternative listening experience
in novels and other traditional reading content. Henriques (2018)
says that there are four types of narration:
a. Fully-Voiced Reading (solo narration)
Probably the most recognized style of reading. All of the
characters are vocalized in a dramatic fashion or in a way that
makes the characters distinguishable from one another,
maintained throughout the entire audiobook, and usually all A scene from “Kinamulatan” (2016). This creek scene was shot
done by one voice actor/narrator. directly beside South Luzon Expressway, so we could not totally
use the recorded sound in the area. Good thing, we had another
b. Partially-Voiced Reading (solo narration)
river footage without the traffic sound, so we looped it all
Made when the voiced production (usually done by one throughout the sequence.
narrator) focuses on giving certain characters a
the sound of running waters. If this is impossible, you can use
distinguishable voice – most commonly the protagonists or
natural sound downloaded from a free source on the internet.
any character who has a distinctive voice in the narration.
The other characters, normally the minor ones, do not need to Be careful with your voice recordings.
sound dramatically different from one another. Some video contents rely greatly on voice components, like
c. Unvoiced Readings (solo narration) the instructional video materials currently being produced for
DepEd TV, and poor sound can affect the content’s effectiveness,
The narrator reads the story in a natural, more
especially if the message is on the voice component itself. This is
straightforward tone. There are no changes in voice for
one of our downfalls in some filmmaking competitions, so we
different characters. The story is told in the narrator’s voice
have been very cautious about this.
and the whole book is usually voiced by one voice actor.
The basic rule in a sound recording is to direct the
d. Multicast Readings / Full Cast Readings
recording equipment as close as possible to the sound source. A
There is more than one voice actor hired to read the microphone can easily accomplish this task. Good microphones
audiobook. This can range from two characters (duet are getting cheaper and more accessible these days, thanks to
narration) or more. online shops, but in case you do not have any yet, your
Some Tips for Low-Cost Sound Designing Balance layers of sound.
At this point, you might feel that the discussion of audio This is a problem we encounter when there is more than
media is becoming more and more technical and consequently, one layer of sound in a video, say, a layer for voice, a second
impractical, especially with the minimal technology that we have. layer for music, and the third layer for ambient sound. Remember
That has been my problem too. So, I intend to simplify matters by to decrease the volume of the secondary and tertiary sounds in
discussing something on a personal level. order to highlight the primary sound. For instance, your video
Never underestimate the power of natural sound. may begin with music, but lower its volume once the voice-over
The sounds made by nature and by industry is the best enters. You may increase the music volume again after the
musical score you can use in your videos. When you shoot a voice-over narration.
Motion Media types of pedestals: pedestal up means “move the camera
Introduction up;” pedestal down means “move the camera down.”This
Movement is another dimension that affects media and movement is best used to shoot a tall character or subject.
information. Every single movement that is incorporated in a To use it effectively, move the entire camera up or down on
video production contributes to the storytelling process or elicits a tripod with respect to the subject. (NFI, 2020)
the desired emotions from the viewers. The Nashville Film 3. Truck
Institute (2020) lists down the following purposes of movement in It is like dollying, but it involves motion left or right. The
a video. truck left means “move the camera physically to the left
1. Creating dynamic scenes while maintaining its perpendicular relationship.”Trucking
Consider the camera as the viewer’s eyes on a story; is often used during action sequences when you want to
therefore, how the camera moves dictates how the viewers see a keep the camera on a moving character. (NFI, 2020)
scene. Movements can make a scene more interesting. Say for
instance a basketball scene wherein the camera moves inside the 4. Pan
court throughout the game. It conveys the idea that the viewer is Moving the camera lens to one side or another as if you are
one of the players in the game. On the other hand, that same looking from left to right or vice versa. Panning can help
basketball scene shot from afar makes the viewer a spectator of you establish the location of a scene or let you follow a
the game. Which of these two is more exciting? moving character. Panning can also help you reveal things
2. Influencing audiences’ emotional reactions: that were previously off-screen. (NFI, 2020).
As movement stands for the audience’s view, it can also 5. Tilt
influence emotions. Shooting a gang war scene with a shaky Moving the camera lens up or down while keeping its
hand-held camera lets the audience feel the chaos of the event, horizontal axis constant, as if you are nodding. Tilting the
swaying the camera on a boat scene commands sea-sickness. I camera can also help you reveal an object or person that
remember watching “Saving Private Ryan” which begins with a was not on screen before and add an element of surprise to
prolonged war scene perfectly executed with a hand-held camera the scene you’re setting. (NFI, 2020)
tracking the struggle of soldiers in the epic Battle of Normandy. 6. Roll
The movement was so disturbing and dizzying, I just prayed war Moving the camera onto its side is a roll, the way a dog
would stop soon. does when he doesn't understand. This is a very rare move
3. Directing audiences’ attention: and one you should only use for very specific purposes.
Camera movements can hide audiences’ vision and pull Here are some other useful camera movement styles.
audiences away from certain elements on-screen. 7. Zoom
4. Controlling reveals: This technique allows you to move closer (zoom in) or
Adding camera movements is also a great way to provide farther an object (zoom out) without physically moving the
narrative information, reveal new subjects that were once camera (Leu, 2020). Instead, the camera’s lens does the job.
offscreen, and even foreshadow or create ironic tension that This might lessen the image’s quality, that is why the dolly
characters are unaware of. becomes a better option.
Basic Camera Movements 8. Following shot
The camera is the basic equipment to record movement. This is a type of tracking shot in which the camera
Other devices, like the tripod, sliders, gimbal, dolly, and drone continuously follows the subject’s action. (Leu, 2020).
contribute to the quality of the captured video. They can be Following shots using handheld cameras results in bumpy
improvised, though. All it takes is a bit of creativity to get things or shaky video, which may convey a realistic sense.
done. Steadicams and gimbals may be used to create smoother
following shots, but if you do not have this, you can still opt
for the hand-held style, but stay relaxed to avoid the shakes.
To execute this, I normally bend my knees a bit to lessen the
impact of walking.
Lesson 13: Manipulative and Multimedia Dimensions of
Information and Media
Manipulative Media
Manipulative media are tools or devices used for hands-on
developmental, educational, information, leisure, therapeutic, and
other purposes that require kinesthetic sense. Manipulatives, toys,
in particular, are essential in early childhood development, where
the concept of play is a great factor for the child to grow
physically, mentally, and emotionally. Manipulative models allow
https://help.sketchup.com/sites/help.sketchup.com/files/images/ske simulation of processes and explanation of abstract ideas.
tchup-1220896-CameraMoves.png Moreover, they supplement information for the visually impaired,
Clark (2016) mentions six basic movements that are doable even as in the case of Braille materials with raised dotted code that
with minimal equipment: allows reading through touch.
1. Dolly "Quipu II" by A.Davey is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
The name comes from the tracks laid down for the heavy Ancient civilizations used manipulatives as an aid in
camera to move along. The phrase dolly-in means a step concretizing abstract ideas, such as
towards the subject with the camera, while dolly-out means in mathematical computations. The
to step backward with the camera, keeping the zoom the Incas and other ancient civilizations
same. This type of camera movement is often used to focus who lived in the Andes mountains of
on a character when they’re lost in thought or when they’ve South America, used the quipu, a
come to a sudden realization. (NFI, 2020) device with numerous colored and
knotted strings, in order to keep
2. Pedestal
records and communicate
Moving the camera up or down without changing its information about dates, statistics,
vertical or horizontal axis. A camera operator can do two accounts, and even folklore during
the time when an alphabetic writing system was not yet used. By Carol Lawson
Although many quipu records have been lost in time, this device May 22, 1997
is still being used today by shepherds to keep count of their herd. A dog may be a man's best friend, but a virtual pet can be a child's
(Cartwright, 2014). The abacus, on the other hand, is a beaded worst nightmare. Children who are nurturing the tiny Tamagotchi
device used for mathematical computations and was used in cyberpet, a popular Japanese digital toy that went on sale in the
ancient Rome, East Asia, and Russia. These manipulatives are United States three weeks ago, are discovering that virtual death
still being used in some areas and are still taught in school, such can be nearly as traumatic as the real thing.
as in Japan, where it Christine Glickman said her son, Keith, 9, "cried hysterically and
is called the soroban. went crazy" when his Tamagotchi expired. Susan Gliedman
described her daughter, Mia, also 9, as "extremely sad and
"Soroban Japanese depressed" over the demise of her cyberpet.
abacus, 2001. (abaci The pet hatches from an egg on a liquid-crystal screen the size of
(Japanese))" is a watch face, set in a case like an egg. It requires continuous care,
licensed under CC feeding, and attention, much as a real pet does. It expires if left
BY-NC-SA 4. unattended for more than five or six hours during the day. Bandai,
The idea that the manufacturer, says the toy does not actually die. Instead, its
manipulatives can be used for educational purposes dates back to life cycle ends when it sprouts wings and, the packaging says,
the 18th century when Swiss educator Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi "returns to its home planet" millions of miles away.
asserted that learning takes place through the use of sense and Try telling that to a teary-eyed child who has spent days caring
physical contact. Friedrich Froebel, the creator of the world’s first for the toy, who has watched it hatch from an egg and then
kindergarten in 1837, supported Pestalozzi’s idea and made sure assumed responsibility for helping it to grow into a lively, healthy
that his school is filled with play objects for his pupils. These digital creature.
objects that Froebel packaged as a set of “20 gifts” were designed The toy can be reset to hatch a new creature, but the one that has
to help children recognize and appreciate patterns and forms sprouted wings is gone forever. (The Japanese version shows the
found in nature. Maria Montessori developed this concept and pet's demise with a gravestone and across -- the angel wings are
came up with materials to help children develop their sensory for Americans.)
abilities, put them in control of the learning process, enable them "The toy creates a real sense of loss and a mourning process," said
to learn through personal investigation and exploration. Lastly, Dr. Andrew Cohen, a psychologist at the Dalton School in
Jean Piaget theorized that children must first construct knowledge Manhattan. "Kids want to nurture and take care of pets -- it gives
through concrete operations before moving to formal operations. them a feeling of empowerment and self-importance -- but here
(Resnick, Martin, Berg, Borovoy, Colella, Kramer, and the
Silverman, 1998). consequences
Classification of Manipulatives are too high.
Manipulatives can be classified into two: the traditional and the It's out of
digital. control."
Traditional Manipulatives are those that do not require any digital
component to function. "My 1997
Digital manipulatives, on the other hand, are Tamagotchi" by
computationally-enhanced versions of traditional manipulatives. h2dh is licensed
In a product development paper that discussed the enhancement under CC
of traditional kindergarten educational toys, Resnick (1998) BY-NC-ND 2.0
termed these as the “new manipulatives” and are designed to For teachers,
enable children new sets of concepts that were considered before too,
as too advanced. These system concepts, such as feedback and Tamagotchi is
emergence. (Resnick, Martin, Berg, Borovoy, Colella, Kramer, creating unpleasant side effects. Joanne Emery, Keith's
and Silverman, 1998). An example of digital manipulative is third-grade teacher at Dalton, has banned Tamagotchi from class,
Lego bricks embedded with robotics technology, which students and so have teachers at other schools in the New York area. "It
can program to move and perform certain functions. became very disruptive," Ms. Emery said. "The children were
Digital manipulatives may also be classified into two, concrete checking it every five seconds."
and virtual. Concrete manipulatives allow actual hands-on The Greenville Elementary School in Edgemont, N.Y., banned
manipulation. On the other hand, virtual manipulatives are Tamagotchi last week after third graders who were taking a
“interactive, web-based, visual representation of a dynamic object standardized test put down their pencils to feed the pet. "The
that provides opportunities for constructing mathematical children were more concerned with the toy than with succeeding
knowledge (Moyer et al, 2002 on Hunt, 2008). in the test," said Andrea Silverman, a special-education teacher.
Interactivity, or the responsiveness one experiences from another The toy has three control buttons and numerous icons for the
entity, be it a computer system or person (Lew, Walther, Pang, and many kinds of care it needs. The creature must be fed, played
Shin, 2018), is the most important characteristic of digital with, and disciplined. It needs medicine when it is sick, and the
manipulatives. Take note that in this age, people need to establish caretaker must clean up its droppings. It sleeps during the night,
wide connections and demand quick responses, and today’s and it beeps during the day when it wants attention. There is even
websites, apps, and video games answer to this demand. a happiness meter to give feedback on the owner's parental skills.
In 1996, a Japanese invented the Tamagotchi, a virtual pet Dr. Sylvia Rimm, a psychologist and author of "Dr. Sylvia
simulation game. It was meant for leisure, but the effect went Rimm's Smart Parenting" (Crown), said, "We try to bring up kids
beyond its goals. This is one clear proof of the power of to be caring and loving, and those are the ones who are hurt the
manipulatives to “manipulate one’s behavior.” most by this toy."
Read this article from the New York Times, published in 1997. As Tamagotchi, which means "cute little egg," entered the world last
you go along, think about your personal engagements with similar November in Japan. Bandai, which also makes the Mighty
apps. Have you ever felt the same way the “Tamagochi parents” Morphin Power Rangers and knows something about mass
felt, or are virtual pets today designed differently? marketing, says more than four million Tamagotchis have been
Related Article sold in Japan.
Tamagotchi: Love It, Feed It, Mourn It
The toy was introduced in the United States at F.A.O. Schwarz on
● Simpler, more ● Limited
May 1 and is now at Toys "R" Us and other stores. F.A.O.
CONCR moveable ● Not very
Schwarz said it sold 30,000, at $17.99 each, in its stores in the
ETE ● Tactile (concrete) challenging
first three days. QVC, the television retailer, says it sold 6,000 in
MEDIA experience adds a
five minutes.
dimension to learning
In Japan, where mothers tend to stay home, they often look after
the Tamagotchi during the school day. ● Fosters creativity
Ms. Glickman baby-sat for Keith's Tamagotchi when it became ● Process is traceable
cyberpet non grata at Dalton. "Keith gave me a one-hour lesson, ● Allows trial and error
but I didn't do such a wonderful job," Ms. Glickman said. Two ● Units are easier to
days later, the pet sprouted wings. distinguish, making the
Will Tamagotchi become a post-Beanie Babies craze? "It's safe to whole easier to see
say it's going to be very successful, but we don't know yet if it's ● Easier to relate to
going to be a mega-success," said Sean McGowan of Gerard real-world applications
Klauer Mattison, a securities research and brokerage firm in ● Less expensive than
Manhattan. "To be up there with Beanie Babies, kids will have to digital technology
collect them." (The Tamagotchi is on a key ring, another hot item ● Requires more thinking
with school children.) ● Self-paced
Gene Morra, the vice president of marketing for Bandai America, ● The multi-sensory
in Cypress, Calif., said a carefully nurtured Tamagotchi can "live" approach increases
about 30 days, but in Japan, some are said to have lasted nearly memory retention
three months. ● Clarifies
Dr. Cohen called Tamagotchi a breakthrough of sorts. "It's the misconceptions and
most powerful product I've ever heard of, in terms of what it builds connections
demands from a child," he said. "I never heard of a toy that makes concepts and
you stay engaged with it all the time." representations,
But some children get disillusioned. In the beginning, said encouraging more
IlyssaMeren, 9, a third-grader in Manhattan at the precise and richer
Nightingale-Bamford School (which has also banned understandings
Tamagotchi), the toy was easy to take care of. But now it beeps
constantly, and one morning it woke her at 4 a.m. "I want it to ● Feedback is immediate ● Cannot be
die," she said. "It's driving me crazy." But Ilyssa will not commit VIRTU ● Easier to maneuver and actually
virtual murder. "When it dies, I won't reset it," she said. AL keep together touched
Courtney Glickman, 13, also said it was too much. "It beeped MEDIA ● Offers a larger variety ● Sometimes
every five minutes and was getting on my nerves, so I turned off of experiences forces one to
the sound," she said, not seeming at all sad that her pet sprouted ● Allow more complex think abstractly
wings one day. operations to be learned ● More suitable
"It was too much work -- like a real child," her mother said. ● Catches the attention of for use after a
But psychologists say that for a teenager, Tamagotchi-style the “technology student has
parental responsibility can be an effective learning experience. generation” already
Some high schools around the country already teach how ● More accessible at mastered the
demanding a baby can be by giving teenagers real eggs to carry home concept
around for a week: the egg must go everywhere, and it is the ● Gives step-by-step ● Some make it
student's job to make sure it doesn't break. instruction too easy
"I can see the Tamagotchi as a teaching tool about pregnancy for ● Often provides explicit ● Computers do
young women and men," Dr. Rimm said. "It could help them connections between the work for
understand reality." visual and symbolic the students so
Meanwhile, Bandai says it is coming out with a new improved representations they are able to
Tamagotchi in the fall: it will have a "pause" button. guess the
Today, there are many more virtual pets developed, but I believe correct answer
none has had an impact like that of the 1996 Tamagotchi design. ● May limit the
People have learned their lesson: trends come and go and teacher’s
innovations are born day by day, but in the end, we have to keep ability to
in mind that technology is made for the good of the people. follow the
students’
Concrete and Virtual Manipulatives: A Comparison thought
Hunt, Nipper and Nash (2011) probed the advantages and processes
disadvantages of concrete and visual manipulatives in education. ● Takes away the
Here are their findings: notion that the
hands and mind
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGE must work
S together
● Might feel like
“do” vs.
“learn/explore”
● Doesn’t really
make one find
the answer on
their own
 Take note that this was the scenario almost a decade ago in These are the people you are conversing with through your
a particular setting about a particular function of manipulatives. work. Identify their preferences, their level of
This does not reflect the whole idea of the effectiveness of understanding, their biases, their manner of thinking. For
concrete and visual manipulatives. In fact, there are many other instance, there are a hundred and one strategies of creating
factors that can affect a person’s perception of the effectiveness of instructional material in science, but the strategies are
this media, and in the case of many living in the Philippines, the reduced and organized if you give focus to a particular
most relevant factor to consider is the digital divide. group, say for instance Grade One pupil, which obviously
Multimedia do not have the level of understanding of senior high school
Gathering the ideas discussed in the three latest chapters, we students.
come up with this illustration. 3. Determine your PURPOSE
Before proceeding, briefly observe its form and reflect on its Once you have identified your audience, you must
implications. Keep in determine the purpose why you are producing content. Do
mind that every you want to entertain, teach, correct wrong perceptions, call
formation matters. somebody’s attention, advertise, make an appeal, etc.? You
may have a purpose, for instance, your content may be
entertaining and at the same time, informative; you may
Collectively, these advertise a product and call the attention of your audience
dimensions make up about a certain social issue. However, if you are dealing
multimedia, which with simple or short content, limit your purpose to one or
Christenson (2006) two, or you might end up presenting a hodge-podge of ideas
defines as “the and confuse your audience.
integration of multiple 4. Choose your STYLE
forms of media.” While What will be your approach in relaying your content?
multimedia generally Definitely, you must be guided by the profile of your
include text, graphics, audience and the nature of your platform. Decide on the
audio, and video set in digital format that enables virtual genre that you will employ. Would you go for an academic
manipulation, the concept has been discussion or a storytelling session? Would you relay your
evident centuries ago, when newspapers song through hip hop or through rock? Would your audience
began featuring text, and images to find infographics more appealing than comic strips? Is
inform the public, and if you would face-to-face focus group discussion already allowed, or
consider the newspaper hawkers would a discussion via Zoom be more feasible? Would a
(children who peddle newspapers), then short narrative film be better than a documentary? Check
audio media enters the scene. But then, the platform through which you will communicate with
looking into the diagram, it must be them. Does your audience rely heavily on social media for
noted that at the center of all these information? What app do they access most? In case your
dimensions is the top agent of media and audience does not have access to new media, what
information: people. Therefore, traditional media do they prefer most?
understanding multimedia will be 5. Think of an INNOVATION
incomplete without considering that at Today’s generation is always in search of novelties – things
the very center of all these are the people they have never seen before and ideas that are fresh and
through which and for which media new. Back in New Year’s Eve 2000, when all nations
exists. attempted to celebrate the new millennium with a
tremendous twist, performers from Australia performed an
"The Chicago Daily News in 1901 relied extraordinary production number right on top of the Sydney
on newsboys hawking the headlines." is Opera House. That was a new sight to behold, very apt for
licensed under Public Domain. the turn of the century. As you plan your work, think of new
possibilities. Open new doors; think out of the box.
6. Decide your LANGUAGE
Lesson 14: Producing Multimedia Content A person’s foreign language hits the mind; his or her native
What’s Cooking? language hits the heart. Would you rather stimulate the
The process of producing media content, whether traditional thinking of your audience, or would you want your content
or new, is long and tedious. Take for instance the actual process of to be heartfelt? But then, a common language spoken by a
writing distance learning modules: it takes hundreds and even vast majority across nations would ensure maximum
thousands of man-hours to plan, write, illustrate, layout, review, understanding. Would you go for this idea?
edit, review, re-edit, finalize, and print one learning module 7. Explore other OPTIONS
before it is packed and handed to learners. After that, more time is Is a single medium enough for you to inform, or would
needed for the users to read the materials and give feedback to the multimedia help in gaining a wide audience? Remember
publishers, who will then find means to enhance content for that media convergence is a trend. If you follow a certain
further use. Indeed, the quest for quality content is practically vlogger, you will notice that aside from YouTube, he or she
endless. will use Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok as alternative
1. Establish your THESIS STATEMENT content platforms, some even publish books, appear on TV
This may look like a piece of your Practical Research and speak over the radio. Do you intend your content to be
subject but establishing the thesis statement is the first delivered that way also?
concern of any storyteller. Every content has a story, even if 8. Think of what others can GIVE back.
it is not text-based. The content is the message the source This is not about getting paid for your work; this is all about the
wishes to inform the audience, and this must be clear at the effect on your audience upon viewing your content. Consider this:
very start. Before creating content, think first: what message netizens will not shower you with emojis just because there is a
do I want to impart to my audience? button available to react. They will do so because they appreciate
2. Know your AUDIENCE the message you wish to convey. Consider yourself as an
advocate of change for the community and for the world through
your content.
 So what’s cooking? Get the first letter of the words in all
Framing the Communication Messages framed
caps and you will get… TAPSILOG! I hope the code will help
message that conveys the as emphasizing the
you remember the concepts that you can use as you plan for your
same messages in benefits of
project. Remember: for you to ensure reaching your
alternate ways (e.g., preventive action
communication goals, you must strategize.
what is gained or are significantly
The U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
lost by taking an better than
(AHRQ) Effective Healthcare (EHC) continuously fund research
action or making a loss-framed
to improve information dissemination of their health advocacies.
choice). messages, although
In one of their research, AHRQ and EHC were able to come up
the difference is
with four effective communication techniques (2012). Below is
small.
the table of the techniques and their corresponding effectiveness.
Technique Definition Observations
Stages of Production in Multimedia
After all that has been discussed, we are just in step one.
Tailoring the Communication is Tailored This goes to show that careful planning is the key, not just to
message designed for an communication achieve our set communication goals, but also to facilitate our
individual based on delivered via print production process. You don’t want to end up with useless
information from or the Internet is materials at the end of your production, do you?
the individual. more effective than
Basically, the production of multimedia has three stages,
non tailored
pre-production, production, and post-production. If you are a
communication in
creator, you must pass through these stages to ensure the quality
increasing
of your content and maximize your time and resources.
knowledge and
changing behavior. Smith (2019) explained the stages of production in
Effect sizes can multimedia in the context of small businesses. The six steps she
vary based on enumerated are practical because it is close to what you can
length of follow-up, actually do, given all the limitations that we have. As you read
variables tailored, along, consider the situation of content creators working for a
type of behavior, client.
population studied, Pre-Production Stage
and a number of 1. Planning Meeting
intervention This kicks off the multimedia production process. The main
contacts. goal of this stage is to unify the project team members in a
common vision for the project and to lay out the lines of
Targeting the Communication is Communication action each member must do.
message to designed for that is targeted to 2. Creative Brief and Script Writing
audience subgroups based on audience segments A creative brief is a short, yet detailed summary of a
segments group membership is a strategy used to company’s background and the campaign goals it aims to
or characteristics make information achieve (Turits, 2019). This may be used for any type of
such as age, gender more relevant based project and may serve as a blueprint for all creative content
or sex, race, cultural on group projects needed.
background, membership Since most multimedia projects entail a story, scriptwriting
language, and other characteristics. comes next in the process. A good script will serve as an
“psychographic” Characteristics can outline for content creators to convey the prescribed
characteristics such be determined by message to the specified audience within a definite time.
as a person’s role, demographic, Scripts may be fully detailed or may come in the form of a
attitudes. or sentence outline.
social-psychologica 3. Storyboarding to Tie the Elements Together
l variables. The ideas laid out in a script need to be concretized through
Meta-analysis images and sound. Thus, to accomplish this, content
shows its practice is creators need a storyboard.
more common in A storyboard is a visual representation of a film sequence
large-scale and breaks down the action into individual panels. It
communication sketches out how a video sequence will unfold. A
efforts due to its storyboard is similar to a trial run for your finished film,
potential video, or commercial laid out in a comic book-like form.
effectiveness. (Studiobinder, 2019)
A storyboard panel for a scene includes a sketch of the
Using narratives Communication is Narrative forms of visual elements, the voiceover or title text, and any
delivered in the communication production notes. It guides the process, keeps everyone in
form of a story, increase check, and gives structure to the project. (Smith, 2019)
testimonial, or information
entertainment processing and
education. increase the
persuasiveness of
messages; people
become transported
into a situation that
can enhance
emotions, attitudes,
and behaviors.
 "Cookie Monster Avatar" by @NonprofitOrgs is licensed under
"Storyboard" by FngKestrel is licensed under CC
CC BY 2.0
BY-NC-ND 2.0
Lesson 15: Evaluating Multimedia
Production Stage
Is This Legit?
4. Production and Designing the Visual Aspects
“Legit ba ‘to? (Is This True)” This must be the first
During the design stage, designers take over the visual
question to ask in evaluating media content. In the millions of
aspects of the project to determine how it looks and feels.
fresh news and information found on the internet every day, not
Aided by the storyboards, the production staff create
all can be considered legit, and with the advancements in
graphics, shoot photo stills or videos, record sound, and
technology, fake information can look very authentic in the eyes
collect all necessary images. Design is always done with an
of unwary netizens. Therefore, it is very much needed to give
eye toward the audience. (Smith, 2019)
sound judgment of media content before we evaluate it further, or
In my team’s experience in making short films, proper we might fall in the same trap that many unguided people have
planning results in a well-executed production stage, fallen – continuing the cycle of misinformation and believing
allowing us to economize our time and resources in the what is supposed to be wrong.
process. Documentaries normally take a longer time for
The Sheridan Libraries of Johns Hopkins University post
shoots, because the script only serves as guidelines and the
some items to consider that can help determine the authenticity of
creators rely on actual, unrehearsed, and spontaneous
online content (2020):
footage that characterizes the documentary genre.
1. Location of the source (Where does the content come from?)
Check whether the source is reliable enough. Be mindful of
Post-Production Stage
the content if it just comes from a blog-publishing service
5. Review and Editing (blogger.com), from a free and open-source,
This is also called the post-production stage, and it is the (wikipedia.org), or from any site you can easily guarantee.
most complex of the multimedia development process. All 2. Network (Who are the followers of this site?)
the sound and visual components are combined in a logical
Just recently, while monitoring the School’s Division
sequence. Editing a one-minute content can even take hours
DepEd Tayo FB Page, I noticed a ranting message from
depending on the requirements specified in the storyboard.
another FB page carrying the name of a public elementary
Creators who specialize in same-edit videos such as those
school. It can be easily dismissed as fake because that FB
done at weddings and other social occasions need intensive
page has only three members, which does not even include
planning and technical preparations to produce the required
the school’s principal.
product. The client always has the final say on the look of
the content, that is why rounds of client review and editing 3. Content (Can the information be confirmed from other
sources?)
may also happen.
While you must be careful with content coming from
6. User Testing
sources that I have stated in item number 1, you can still
During this stage, test members of the audience use the
trust them as long as you verify them from other more
multimedia piece while team members observe. Depending
credible sources. If the content is constant in many sources,
on the goals of the project, the staff might observe users'
then it is factual. For instance, you can refer to the
reactions or have them answer questions to see if the project
references posted at the end of a Wikipedia item as a
hits the right marks. After user testing, there are usually
counter checker.
further adjustments to the project. Once the team and clients
Pictures and other graphics can be verified as well through
are satisfied, the project goes out for distribution.
image verification sites such as tineye.com. By simply
For instance, the children’s TV show “Sesame Street” has
uploading the image or pasting its URL, you can check its
been a proponent of early childhood development
origin and which other websites have used the picture.
worldwide, and many countries have obtained franchises for
4. Contextual updates (Is the content updated or is it lost in
this show to come up with their national versions, like
time?)
“Batibot,” its Filipino counterpart, which came out in the
1980s. Before airing an episode, the producers must test it As connectivity progresses, the timeliness of content also
with a group of preschoolers to gauge its formative aspect. shortens. In research, content published more than five
As a result, stories, and characters change, such as Cookie years ago might not be relevant for current use. Such is a
Monster, the character to eats anything. To educate case-to-case basis, though. News, current demographics,
preschoolers on healthy eating habits, episodes were created statistics, and scientific discoveries need constant updating.
under the “Healthy Habits for Life” curriculum, with However, historical accounts and literary and artistic
Cookie Monster learning about “sometimes food” and archives may still be factual.
“anytime food” (Merrill, 2019).
5. Age (What is the age of the account in question? Be wary of So if long lists of things to think about only make things worse,
recently created accounts. how do we get better at sorting truth from fiction and everything
Sometimes, when an issue surfaces, new social media in-between?
accounts surface as well. Most likely, these are created by Our solution is to give students and others a shortlist of things to
other netizens who wish to support or bash the issue. For do when looking at a source and hook each of those things to one
instance, when a person gets caught in viral video or two highly effective web techniques. We call the “things to do”
misbehaving in public, fake accounts of that person get moves and there are four of them:
created, becoming the hub for bashers who post ranting 1. Stop
comments and offensive memes. The first move is the simplest. STOP reminds you of two
6. Reliability (Is the source of information reliable?) things.
What are the factors that determine the reliability of a First, when you first hit a page or post and start to read it —
source? You have to check if it is an official site for a STOP. Ask yourself whether you know the website or source
network (.net), non-profit organization (.org), military of the information, and what the reputation of both the claim
(.mil), educational institution (.edu), and government (.gov), and the website is. If you don’t have that information, use the
but be careful, because it is still possible for sites to have other moves to get a sense of what you’re looking at. Don’t
misleading suffixes. Be wary of commercial sites (.com). read it or share it with the media until you know what it is.
Assess also if the site poses bias. Also, consider the author Second, after you begin to use the other moves it can be easy
of the content and doubt anonymously authored content. It to go down a rabbit hole, going off on tangents only distantly
pays to Google the name of the author to check his or her related to your original task. If you feel yourself getting
credentials. Even the site’s interface or look matters. If it overwhelmed in your fact-checking efforts, STOP and take a
looks too amateurish, or if it contains errors in textual and second to remember your purpose. If you just want to repost,
visual content, doubt it. Lastly, check if the site contains read an interesting story, or get a high-level explanation of a
links to other undesirable sites. concept, it’s probably good enough to find out whether the
Dimensions of Critical Evaluation publication is reputable. If you are doing deep research of
Coiro (2017) stressed the need for adolescents to be critical your own, you may want to chase down individual claims in
in viewing online information, has noticed that more students are a newspaper article and independently verify them.
concerned with content relevance than content credibility. This is Please keep in mind that both sorts of investigations are
alarming because doing so, students become agents in spreading equally useful. Quick and shallow investigations will form
fake news, a concept which media scholars have categorized into most of what we do on the web. We get quicker with the
two: misinformation or “false information which is simple stuff in part so we can spend more time on the stuff
unintentionally disseminated on online platforms”, and that matters to us. But in either case, stopping periodically
disinformation or “information intended to convince online users and reevaluating our reaction or search strategy is key.
to favor a group or individual political perspective” (Quilinguing, 2. Investigate the source
2019). If fake news goes viral, it becomes relevant information, We’ll go into this move more on the next page. But the idea
which, when left unguarded, becomes false truths. here is that you want to know what you’re reading before you
However, critical evaluation is not solely a spot-the-error read it.
procedure. It is meant to find the value of certain content and how Now, you don’t have to do a Pulitzer prize-winning
this value can affect the user. Do you still recall the activity where investigation into a source before you engage with it. But if
I gave you ten songs to choose from? These songs may be good you’re reading a piece on economics by a Nobel
–brilliantly written by composers, wonderfully interpreted by prize-winning economist, you should know that before you
musicians and singers, and perfectly mastered by sound engineers read it. Conversely, if you’re watching a video on the many
– but if its message does not touch you, it will just be another benefits of milk consumption that was put out by the dairy
untouched option in the playlist. Remember, it takes a lover to industry, you want to know that as well.
love a love song. This doesn’t mean the Nobel economist will always be right
Filtering content may be seen as a massive endeavor, but this is and that the dairy industry can’t be trusted. But knowing the
not impossible if critical evaluation is done right at the very start expertise and agenda of the source is crucial to your
by the information user. Coiro (2017) presents four dimensions of interpretation of what they say. Taking sixty seconds to figure
critical evaluation: out where media is from before reading will help you decide
Relevance: if it is worth your time, and if it is, help you to better
the information’s level of importance to a particular purpose understand its significance and trustworthiness.
or explicitly stated the need for that information 3. Find trusted coverage
Accuracy: Sometimes you don’t care about the particular article or
the extent to which information contains factual and video that reaches you. You care about the claim the article is
updated details that can be verified by consulting alternative making. You want to know if it is true or false. You want to
and/or primary sources know if it represents a consensus viewpoint, or if it is the
Bias/Perspective: subject of much disagreement.
the position or slant toward which an author shapes In this case, your best strategy may be to ignore the source
information that reached you and look for trusted reporting or analysis on
Reliability: the claim. If you get an article that says koalas have just been
the information’s level of trustworthiness based on declared extinct from the Save the Koalas Foundation, your
information about the author and the publishing body best bet might not be to investigate the source but to go out
A 4-Step Test and find the best source you can on this topic, or, just as
Closely rs away, allowing for more fruitful engagement with all importantly, to scan multiple sources and see what the expert
digital information.related to Coiro’s dimensions of critical consensus seems to be. In these cases, we encourage you to
evaluation is Caulfield’s four-step test in evaluating content. “find other coverage” that better suits your needs — more
You’ll find this relatable to the filtering process, as it comes in a trusted, more in-depth, or maybe just more varied. In lesson
synonymous acronym: SIFT. The following material is lifted from two we’ll show you some techniques to do this sort of thing
Caulfield’s website, hapgood.us (2019). very quickly.
SIFT (The Four Moves) Do you have to agree with the consensus once you find it?
JUNE 19, 2019 / MIKECAULFIELD Absolutely not! But understanding the context and history of
 a claim will help you better evaluate it and form a starting help you focus your idea and keep you from wandering too
point for future investigation. far off course.
Trace claims, quotes, and media back to the original context Come up with a story that can believably occur in a very
Much of what we find on the internet has been stripped of short amount of time, even ten minutes. Your actual film’s
context. Maybe there’s a video of a fight between two people running time doesn’t need to be that long, but you will be
with Person A as the aggressor. But what happened before able to dramatize shorter events in a more grounded way.
that? What was clipped out of the video and what stayed in? Actors
Maybe there’s a picture that seems real but the caption could Cast carefully. Some actors may be more comfortable with
be misleading. Maybe a claim is made about a new medical ample rehearsal time, so make sure they know the time
treatment based on a research finding — but you’re not restrictions of your shoot.
certain if the cited research paper really said that. Allow your actors to contribute. If they’re inventive, give
In these cases, we’ll have you trace the claim, quote, or them a chance to improvise. The shoot takes alternate lines of
media back to the source, so you can see it in its original dialogue. This can be especially effective in comedies.
context and get a sense if the version you saw was accurately When directing your actors, remember these tips:
presented. Let your actor know what their objective in each scene is.
4. It’s about Recontextualizing Make sure you and your actor are on the same page about
There’s a theme that runs through all of these moves: they are their character and their motivations. If you disagree, take a
about reconstructing the necessary context to read, view, or few minutes to discuss, listen, and compromise.
listen to digital content effectively. Be there for your actor. While some actors may prefer to do
One piece of context is who the speaker or publisher is. things their own way, most seek and thrive on direction, even
What’s their expertise? What’s their agenda? What’s their if it’s just pointing them the right way, metaphorically
record of fairness or accuracy? So we investigate the source. speaking.
Just as when you hear a rumor you want to know who the Or literally speaking! Blocking is very important not just for
source is before reacting when you encounter something on your framing but for the intensity of the scene itself. Work
the web you need the same sort of context. with your actors to find the right blocking for each
When it comes to claims, a key piece of context includes scene–what feels right for them and what looks best for the
whether they are broadly accepted or rejected or something camera.
in-between. By scanning for other coverage you can see what Producing
the expert consensus is on a claim, learn the history around it, Make sure your schedules are detailed out to the minute and
and ultimately land on a better source. remember that communication between cast and crew is key.
Finally, when evidence is presented with a certain frame — By having everyone’s contact information and by
whether a quote or a video or a scientific finding — communicating clearly where everyone is expected to be and
sometimes it helps to reconstruct the original context in when you can avoid unnecessary delays in production. Give
which the photo was taken or a research claim was made. It them directions and expected travel times to the set.
can look quite different in context! Organize your days so you can shoot several scenes in one
In some cases, these techniques will show you claims are day. If you have multiple locations, select the key location for
outright wrong, or that sources are legitimately “bad actors” the day and then find your other locations in the immediate
who are trying to deceive you. But in the vast majority of area. Moving locations can be a killer and waste tons of time.
cases, they do something just as important: they reestablish Try to group scenes together that use the same cast members
the context that the web so often strip. and costumes. Be efficient in your scheduling and don’t be
Lesson 16: Crafting a Multimedia Presentation afraid to shoot out of order or out of sequence. Schedule your
Some Reading Materials to Aid You exteriors first—that way, if it rains you have the option of
Let’s face it. You have a difficult but doable task, and you delaying those scenes until the following day. And have a
have to be wary of your greatest enemy: time. By this time, you cover set (or interior) waiting to go, so you can move inside
might be brewing something in your mind, and you are preparing and not lose a shooting day
to unleash your creative juices. But then, at this time, you might Equipment
still be asking yourself what you will do and how you will do it. Put together an inexpensive but effective equipment list. Your
Allow me to share with you five articles in crafting different story won’t be improved with more pixels, but you also don’t
creative content, namely, short film, photo essay, poster, want your camera breaking down in the middle of your shoot.
PowerPoint presentation, and vlog. These are lifted directly from Test all the gear before you leave for the set.
the internet, so you might find some of the tips too technical, but Once you’re on location, if something breaks and has to be
generally, these serve as good resource material for newbies in the replaced, you’re going to lose valuable time. Don’t be afraid
field. You may read them all or focus on just one that is most to be inventive. You may not have a professional dolly but
doable for you. some of the most inventive directors come up with novel
A. The Best Tips for Making a Short Film in a Short Amount solutions that actually make their shots more interesting.
of Time Make sure all batteries and other accessories are charged
Posted on May 10, 2019, by New York Film Academy before the shoot, and spares are being charged during the
There are any number of reasons you might have a limited shoot. Remember, with only three days to shoot, every
amount of time to create a short film (even from scratch. Time is minute counts and every delay needs to be avoided at all
one of the most valuable resources a filmmaker can have, so costs.
creating a short film in a crunch can be quite the challenge. Cinematography
New York Film Academy has pooled advice from the chairs and Don’t be afraid of using natural lights and don’t be afraid if
faculty of our many different departments—including not everything is lit and bright. Often enough, beauty lies in
Cinematography, Producing, Filmmaking, and Digital Editing—to the darkness. Silhouettes, high contrast, backlighting, and
give a well-balanced list of offered tips and best practices for dramatic shadows can create a very dynamic and powerful
creating the best possible short film in a short amount of time: cinematographic look.
Story When shooting a scene, start with your biggest shot first and
Try to come up with a great idea that works in a few minutes. then shoot all your closer shots looking in the same direction.
Keep the concept simple and focused. A good logline can Then turn around and, again, start with your biggest shot and
work progressively closer.
Sound photo story, you can see the working parts of a product and
Sound, on the other hand, is another issue. Bad sound is often how it all moves together in harmony.
said to be the hallmark of amateur filmmaking. If your 4. Local event photo essay:
audience is struggling to understand what your actors are Local events like fundraisers, art shows, or festivals are
saying, there won’t be much room left for emotional great places to document a photography project. Candid
involvement. So do everything you can, within your photos of people working, performing, or taking in the
limitations, to get the best sound/dialogue recorded on the sights can be compiled into a photo essay along with
set. Whoever said, “we’ll fix it in the post,” must have had background objects to help paint a scene.
tons of money, so erase those words from your vocabulary. 4 Tips for Creating a Photo Essay
Keep sound in mind before you even begin filming–make Creative photography can be fun, sentimental, eye-opening, or
sure the locations you choose and even the story you tell will gut-wrenching. It can expose a truth or instill a sense of hope.
make your sound recording as easy as possible. If you can, With so many possibilities to share a good photo essay, it’s
have a good portion of your film dialogue-free, with scenes important to keep the following tips in mind:
that can use music or non-sync sound in their stead, as sync 1. Do your research.
sound will always take longer to shoot. There may be many types of photo essay topics available,
Digital Editing but that doesn’t mean your specific idea hasn’t already been
When working in post-production, remember it’s ok to be tackled by a professional photographer. Look up the best
ruthless–do not be afraid to cut, even if it means undoing photo essays that have already been done on your topic to
hours of work. Always, always, always backup your project make sure the narrative can be executed in a new and
and footage in different locations. Save often so you don’t interesting way.
lose any time due to a computer error. Learn to say goodbye 2. Follow your instincts.
to your mouse and learn keyboard shortcuts to become a Take photos of everything. Overshooting can be helpful for
faster and more efficient video editor–with only three days to photojournalism. You never know what you’ll need, so the
make your film, every second counts! more coverage you have, the better.
General Production Do’s and Don’ts 3. Only use the best images.
Keep your productions simple. Limit the number of cast From your lead photo to the final photo, you’re creating a
members. Limit the number of locations. Avoid big scenes visually vivid story. However, if you use too many images,
with elaborate sets, costumes, and props. Stay away from you risk diluting the impact of your message. Only include
period pieces, children, and animals—they are far too the key photos necessary.
unpredictable. And be as professional as you can be.
4. Be open-minded.
Although you may want to break the rules when it comes to
Your project may evolve past its initial concept, and that’s
content, there’s a good reason professional shoots are
okay. Sometimes a photo essay evolves organically, and
organized the way they are. The better prepared you are, the
your job as a photojournalist is to extract the right narrative
more likely you will capture your vision.
from the images you’ve captured—even if it wasn’t the
B. How to Create a Photo Essay: Step-by-Step Guide With
original idea.
Examples
How to Create a Photo Essay in 7 Steps
Written by MasterClass
Before you get started, think about these questions: How are you
Last updated: Nov 8, 2020
going to make it all happen? What are the budgetary and schedule
Photo essays tell a story in pictures, and there are many different issues that you’ll have to overcome to make the assignment work?
ways to style your own photo essay. With a wide range of topics Once you have those answers, you can start working on a photo
to explore, a photo essay can be thought-provoking, emotional, essay of your own. Here’s how to do it:
funny, unsettling, or all of the above, but mostly, they should be 1. Tell a diverse, confident story.
unforgettable.
Know what you’re shooting and why. It’s important to
What Is a Photo Essay?
figure out what your message is and shoot with a purpose.
A photographic essay is a form of visual storytelling, a way to
2. Make sure you have a wide variety of images.
present a narrative through a series of images. A great photo essay
Getting a multitude of shots during your photoshoot can
is powerful, able to evoke emotion and understanding without
ensure you’ve covered your bases. You may need a wider
using words. A photo essay delivers a story using a series of
angle, a close-up detail shot, or different lighting—you may
photographs and brings the viewer along your narrative journey.
even decide to steer your photo essay in another direction
4 Photo Essay Examples altogether. With a large collection of images to choose from,
There are plenty of interesting photo essay ideas that offer endless photographing everything can give you a wide pool to
avenues to tell a powerful photo story. Some examples of areas choose from when compiling your photo series.
you could cover are:
3. Be a ruthless photo editor.
1. Day-in-the-life photo essay:
Your editing process should be blunt. If a shot is beautiful
These kinds of photo essays tell the story of a day in the life but won’t work in your essay, don’t use it. However, don’t
of a particular subject. They can showcase the career of a edit any images on the same day you shoot; it’ll be easier to
busy farmer or struggling artist, capture parents’ daily be objective if you let a little time pass between shooting
chores and playtime with their children, or memorialize the and editing. Learn Jimmy Chin’s photo editing tips here.
routine of a star high school athlete. A day-in-the-life photo
4. Choose your top 10 images.
series can be emotionally evocative, giving viewers an
Once a few days have passed, pick the best 100 photos from
intimate glimpse into the world of another human being.
your shoot to start with. Then, a day or more later, look at
2. Historic site photo essay: those 100 images and narrow them down to the top 25.
Taking pictures of historic landmarks offers a variety of Finally, narrow the 25 down to the top 10 images, making
different perspectives—the use of unique angles, depths, sure each photo serves your original concept for the story.
and lighting. The use of drones and reflections are also
5. Ask for outside input.
useful in your quest to find the ideal vantage point and
Get a trusted, visually sophisticated friend to help you: Give
display a variety of scenes of the same subject.
them the top 100 photos and a written description of the
3. Behind-the-scenes photo essay:
overall story, and let them select what they think are the top
Behind-the-scenes photo essays are great ways to capture 10 photos. Compare how their choices align with the 10
what goes into events from start to finish. With this type of photos you selected. Where did they differ? Ask your friend
 why they chose photos that were different than yours, important within your design, but it is also an important
making sure you listen to what they say without arguing external factor as well. Think of it this way: If your poster is
about any of their choices; your job is to listen and going to hang on a green wall, you probably want to use a
understand what they saw in the images, and why they contrasting color scheme so the design does not blend into
made the choices they did. the environment.
6. Make your final selections. 4. Make a Mini Version
Keeping in mind your discussion with your trusted friend, While poster design is primarily a print project, create mini
make your final selections for the 10 best images that tell versions that can be used in other places as well. Remember
your story. one of those basic principles of marketing – a person needs
7. Write captions. exposure to something 20 times to remember it. The
Your final 10 images can be captioned to help enhance your multiple poster versions can help you accomplish just that.
visual narrative, but it isn’t necessary. If you feel like your 5. Use One Big Visual
images could use some text, add it. However, if you think Whether you choose a photo, illustration, or text, a
the images can stand on their own, then you can present dominant image is key. And just like the text, it needs to be
them as they are. readable from a distance.
C. 10 Tips for Perfect Poster Design When designing posters, think tight — close-up crops of
On: 8 July 2020 faces or elements, single item illustrations, a common scene
By: Carrie Cousins with a sharp focal point, novelty typography with high
Almost everyone has designed a poster or flier at some point. intrigue. After you select a visual, be careful about layering
Whether it was for self-promotion or a client, posters can be a fun elements. Type and images need to have enough contrast so
way to present a message and do some interesting things with that they are independently readable.
design. 6. Use Plenty of Space
Poster design starts with a common canvas. Common poster sizes When it comes to posters, use exaggerated spacing between
are 8.5 by 11-inch letter (or A4), 11 by 17 inches, and 22 by 34 elements. It may look a little funny to you at first, but the
inches. Large format poster sizes are commonly 24 inches by 36 extra spacing will dramatically increase visual impact and
inches. Posters can be designed vertically or horizontally, but are readability at distances.
most commonly designed with a vertical orientation. Today we’re There are a few places where extra space can work wonders in
taking a look at ten useful tips for improving your next poster poster design:
design! ● Between individual letters. Tight kerning can cause
1. Make it Easy to Read from a Distance letters to blur at distances.
The top priority of a poster is generally to expose someone to ● Between lines of text.
an event. Key information should be easy to read from a ● Around interior margins of the canvas.
distance to help draw people to the poster and create a ● Between elements of different types, such as
hierarchy in the text. images and text.
When it comes to poster design you can think of text as Around the most important element in the design. What do you
having three distinct layers: want people to see first?
Headline: This is the main (and largest) text element in the 7. Include a Call to Action
design. It can be in addition to an art element or it can be the The goal of every poster is to expose people to something.
art element. Opt for a readable typeface that is interesting and Most of these “touches” involve inviting someone to
demands attention. something, such as a concert or movie, or another event. For
Details: What, when, where? Answer these questions in the that reason, a call to action is vital. Think of it in the same
second level of the text. What information does someone way you would if designing a call to action for a website or
need to do what your poster is asking of them? Provide the app – give it a high level of prominence in the design.
information here in a concise manner. As for sizing, there are The difference from web design is that the call to action
two options – drop the size to about half of the main headline might not be as simple. (In websites “sign up” or “email us”
for a very clear hierarchy or continue to use a larger size and are common actions that you can’t get on a poster.) The call
use another technique for contrast. (The choice often depends to action is often the event information or a contact point in
on other elements and the importance of secondary text.) poster design. Once you know what users are supposed to
The fine print: This one explains itself. Commonly seen on do when they see the poster, then you can design the call to
posters to promote movies, it’s everything else that someone action. (Some designers really like elements such as QR
decided needed to be on the poster. Make it small and keep it codes to encourage users to scan for information; only use
out of the way. this tool if it is popular in your market.)
2. Amp Up the Contrast 8. Create Focus with Typography
You have one glance to grab someone’s attention with a Poster design is one of those places where you can really go
poster. High contrast between elements can help you do that. crazy with beautiful typography. Some of the best posters
Forget a monotone color palette with pale gradients; go bold are made with type and color, with no images or
with color and type options. Poster design is a great time to illustrations.
try a typeface or color palette that might be too “crazy” for Keep the same typography principles in mind that you
other projects. Experiment with it. would with any other project – this is not the time to use 10
Think about a big color background as well. Many times fonts in one location. But do experiment with bolder, wider,
poster designers start with a white canvas. If your printer bigger typefaces that you might feel comfortable with
allows, use a high color background with a full bleed to make otherwise.
your poster stand out from all the rest. Set the tone for the project with these types of options. Use
3. Consider Size and Location a type that conveys an appropriate mood for the event. You
This is important: Where is your poster going to be located? might find this challenging at first, but it can be quite an
This factors in several ways, including the size of the poster invigorating exercise.
(and possibly aspect ratio), visual clutter around the poster, 9. Use a Cool Printing Technique
and will the people who see it appreciate your call to action? Depending on the location and audience for your poster a
Knowing where the design will live can help you make cool printing technique might be in order. There are a lot of
choices about how to create it. Not only is visual contrast things you can do on paper that just don’t work on digital
 projects. This might be the perfect opportunity to try out Your job as a presenter is to control the flow of information
something like letterpress, screen printing, foiling, or the so that you and your audience stay in sync.
use of a UV layer. 3. No paragraphs.
Many of these techniques are often reserved for higher-end Where most presentations fail is that their authors are
projects or events with a certain level of prestige. convinced they are producing some kind of stand-alone
Talk to your printer in advance of settling on any special document, putting everything they want to say onto their
technique to make sure they can make the prints at the size slides, in great big chunky blocks of text.
you need. When it comes to printing techniques, there can Congratulations. You’ve just killed a roomful of people.
be budgetary considerations as well. Some printing Cause of death: terminal boredom poisoning.
processes can be pricey; so make sure you have enough Your slides are the illustrations for your presentation, not
wiggle room with the budget before you get started. the presentation itself. They should underline and reinforce
10. Have Fun what you’re saying as you give your presentation — save
Poster design is a place where designers can have a lot of the paragraphs of text for your script. PowerPoint and other
fun. While there are plenty of things to think about and presentation software have functions to display notes onto
consider, this is an area where you can break the rules and the presenter’s screen that do not get sent to the projector, or
go a little crazy with the design. you can use notecards, a separate word processor document,
So go for it. Try something that you’ve wanted to do or take or your memory. Just don’t put it on the screen – and for
the opportunity to learn a new technique or skill. Stretch goodness’ sake, if you do for some reason put it on the
your imagination to create something new and fresh. The screen, don’t stand with your back to your audience and
goal of a poster is to grab attention from afar; get creative! read it from the screen!
Conclusion 4. Pay attention to design.
In an age with so much design talk centering around websites and PowerPoint and other presentation packages offer all sorts
apps, the art of poster design is often an afterthought. Poster of ways to add visual “flash” to your slides: fades, swipes,
design can be fun and give you plenty of room to stretch your flashing text, and other annoyances are all too easy to insert
design muscles. with a few mouse clicks.
Posters can work in a variety of ways for almost any project. Avoid the temptation to dress up your pages with cheesy
They are a great form of promotion and can help expose the effects and focus instead on simple design basics:
masses to your personal, business or client message. Use a sans serif font for body text. Sans serifs like Arial,
D. 10 Tips for More Effective PowerPoint Presentations Helvetica, or Calibri tend to be the easiest to read on
Dustin Wax screens.
“Oh no! Not another boring PowerPoint presentation! My eyes, Use decorative fonts only for slide headers, and then only if
my eyes…!!!” they’re easy to read. Decorative fonts –calligraphy, German
How much does it suck to be in the audience for yet another blackface, futuristic, psychotic handwriting, flowers, art
drawn-out, boring, lifeless slideshow? Worse yet, how much is it nouveau, etc. – are hard to read and should be reserved only
such to be the one giving it? for large headlines at the top of the page. Better yet, stick to
The truth is, bad PowerPoint happens to good people, and quite a classy serif font like Georgia or Baskerville.
often the person giving the presentation is just as much a victim Put dark text on a light background. Again, this is the
as the poor sods listening to her or him. easiest to read. If you must use a dark background – for
Here are ten tips to help you add a little zing! to your next instance, if your company uses a standard template with a
presentation. They are, of course, far from comprehensive, but dark background – make sure your text is quite light (white,
they’re a start. Feel free to share your own tips in the comments. cream, light grey, or pastels) and maybe bump the font size
up two or three notches.
1. Write a script.
Align text left or right. Centered text is harder to read and
A little planning goes a long way. Most presentations are
looks amateurish. Line up all your text to a right-hand or
written in PowerPoint (or some other presentation package)
left-hand baseline – it will look better and be easier to
without any sort of rhyme or reason.
follow.
That’s bass-ackwards. Since the point of your slides is to
Avoid clutter. A headline, a few bullet points, maybe an
illustrate and expand what you are going to say to your
image – anything more than that and you risk losing your
audience, you should know what you intend to say and then
audience as they sort it all out.
figure out how to visualize it. Unless you are an expert at
improvising, make sure you write out or at least outline 5. Use images sparingly
your presentation before trying to put together slides. There are two schools of thought about images in
presentations. Some say they add visual interest and keep
And make sure your script follows good storytelling
audiences engaged; others say images are an unnecessary
conventions: give it a beginning, middle, and end; have a
distraction.
clear arc that builds towards some sort of climax; make your
audience appreciate each slide but be anxious to find out Both arguments have some merit, so in this case, the best
what’s next; and when possible, always leave ‘em wanting option is to split the difference: use images only when they
more. add important information or make an abstract point more
concrete.
2. One thing at a time, please.
While we’re on the subject, absolutely do not use
At any given moment, what should be on the screen is the
PowerPoint’s built-in clipart. Anything from Office 2003
thing you’re talking about. Our audience will almost
and earlier has been seen by everyone in your audience a
instantly read every slide as soon as it’s displayed; if you
thousand times – they’ve become tired, used-up clichés, and
have the next four points you plan to make up there, they’ll
I hopefully don’t need to tell you to avoid tired, used-up
be three steps ahead of you, waiting for you to catch up
clichés in your presentations. Office 2007 and non-Office
rather than listening with interest to the point you’re
programs have some clipart that isn’t so familiar (though it
making.
will be, and so on) but by now, the entire concept of clipart
Plan your presentation so just one new point is displayed at
has run its course – it just doesn’t feel fresh and new
any given moment. Bullet points can be revealed one at a
anymore.
time as you reach them. Charts can be put on the next slide
6. Think outside the screen.
to be referenced when you get to the data the chart displays.
 Remember, the slides on the screen are only part of the Something that people have been doing more often lately is
presentation – and not the main part. Even though you’re planning special activities and then telling their audience
liable to be presented in a darkened room, give some about that activity. For example, Roman Atwood told his
thought to your own presentation manner – how you hold viewers that he was going to be doing a Smart Car VS.
yourself, what you wear, how you move around the room. Human Challenge in the coming days and then he did it. He
You are the focus when you’re presenting, no matter how planned an event and told people about it so that they would
interesting your slides are. be more interested in watching it. As you build a little bit of
7. Have a hook. hype around an activity or event you will see the initial
Like the best writing, the best presentation shook their surge of people that watch it is higher. This also provides
audiences early and then reel them in. Open with something you with some creativity to add to your vlogs.
surprising or intriguing, something that will get your 3. Collaborate with Other Vloggers
audience to sit up and take notice. The most powerful hooks Collaborating with other vloggers is one of the ways that
are often those that appeal directly to your audience’s most high-profile vloggers get their big breaks. They
emotions – offer them something awesome or, if it’s collaborate, which means that they are getting in front of
appropriate, scare the pants off of them. The rest of your another person’s audience as well as their own. What
presentation, then, will be effectively your promise to make happens is not only do they build up their subscribers, but
the awesome thing happen, or the scary thing not to happen. the content is usually different. When you partner with
8. Ask questions. somebody to bring new content the videos are always
Questions arouse interest, pique curiosity, and engage different. If you want to get a new style of video, then
audiences. So ask a lot of them. Build tension by posing a collaborate with another vlogger and I guarantee that your
question and letting your audience stew a moment before style will change.
moving to the next slide with the answer. Quiz their 4. Ask Viewers for Recommendations
knowledge and then show them how little they know. If One of the hardest parts about becoming a vlogger is the
appropriate, engage in a little question-and-answer with fact that you are always creating content. What kind of
your audience, with you asking the questions. content though, is what is up for debate? This is why I
9. Modulate, modulate, modulate. strongly recommend you ask your viewers for their
Especially when you’ve done a presentation before, it can recommendations. When people let you know what they
be easy to fall into a drone, going on and on and on and on want to see, it makes your job that much easier.
and on with only minimal changes to your inflection. 5. Edit Your Videos
Always speak as if you were speaking to a friend, not as if This is probably something that you already do, but you
you are reading off of index cards (even if you are). If need to go one step further. With vlogging, you must
keeping up a lively and personable tone of voice is difficult provide a lot of unique content inside your videos, which
for you when presenting, do a couple of practice means you can’t simply leave the video on the same clip for
run-throughs. If you still can’t get it right and presentations the entire time. Edit different angles into the clips, use
are a big part of your job, take a public speaking course or music, add in pictures, and just make your video stand out.
join Toastmasters. With vlogging, the biggest issue you will face is that too
10. Break the rules. many of your videos look the same, so spice them up a bit
As with everything else, there are times when each of these with edits.
rules – or any other rule you know – won’t apply. If you 6. Mix Life into Your Niche
know there’s a good reason to break a rule, go ahead and do Let’s talk about a particular vlogger, Christian Guzman. He
it. Rule-breaking is perfectly acceptable behavior – it’s started his YouTube channel by talking about fitness. Now,
ignoring the rules or breaking them because you just don’t he talks about fitness, relationships, business, and life.
know any better that leads to shoddy boring presentations When you mix your life into your vlog you will see more
that lead to boredom, depression, psychopathic breaks, and people actually connect with what you are saying. He
eventually death. And you don’t want that, do you? started when he was not well known, now he is very well
E. 12 Unique Vlogging Tips for Beginners known all over the world. My advice is to have a video each
Vlogging has become a very popular topic recently and more and week or every couple of weeks that shows more about your
more people have been asking for vlogging tips for beginners. day-to-day life and what you do.
Before we get into it more I first just want to say that you don’t 7. Set a Goal for Yourself
need to become a daily vlogger to be successful. Some vloggers What are your goals? Do you want to vlog every day to give
find success with as little as 1 video per week, but others require 4 people an inside look into your life? Do you want to vlog
to 5 videos per week to achieve the same level of success. just for the fun of it? Whatever your reasoning is, make sure
As a vlogger, you will be responsible for keeping your YouTube you set this as a goal. Make sure your audience knows your
channel updated regularly, have great content, and be there when goals as well. The more people know about you and what
people expect to see you. This might sound simple enough, right? you want to accomplish, the more they will be willing and
Well, there is more to it than that and I want to give you some tips able to help.
for getting your vlog started. 8. Be Consistent
12 Vlogging Tips for Beginners Sticking to an actual publish time is the best way to get
1. Keep Your Videos Interesting people to come back each time you post a new video.
One of the very first tips that you need to know about is Everybody wants to see what you have going on, but they
keeping your videos interesting. When people do vlogging can’t see that if you don’t publish regularly. Now, if you
the biggest problem that they have is they don’t have publish hours or days after you normally do then what
enough stuff in their life to keep their audience entertained. happens is the people that came to the channel to watch
It is because of this that you need to figure out ways to keep your video might just leave and not watch for a long time.
your videos interesting. Make different types of videos, get
people to vlog with you, maybe go somewhere different.
Whatever you do, make your videos interesting or people 9. Interact with Your Viewers
will simply stop watching. If you are not commenting on what other people comment
2. Plan Activities and Promote Them on, then you are missing out. The people that comment are
adding value to your channel, so make sure you show your
 appreciation to them. You don’t have to write a huge
amount, but sometimes a simple thank you is more than
enough.
10. Participate in Trends
When the ice bucket challenge went viral, this would have
been a good time to do this on your channel. Another idea is
to do a video about current events going on in the world.
Participate in the trends that people are doing. You don’t
need to create an entire video on these topics, but at least
have a short clip in there about them.
11. Give Your Channel a Weekly Theme/Series
So many people forget about this simple trick. All you need
to do is give your vlogging channel a topic and stick to that
each week. For example, Grant Cardone does something
where every Monday he answers questions on real estate.
People call in with deals or questions and he answers them
live. I am not saying this same topic is going to work for
you, but you can at least try something similar to it and stick
to it each week.
12. Practice, Practice, and Practice
This is a bit of an obvious one but the more you practice the
better you’ll get. You can practice how to Vlog before you
even start uploading your videos on YouTube. Do not feel
rushed to upload the video, if you want to make a video that
is fun to watch, entertaining, and informative then you need
to take some time, although try not to take forever.
One way to practice is in front of a mirror, just sit and start
talking. Do not take your camera straight away. Once you’re
feeling comfortable you can switch the mirror for your
camera and start recording some footage. Practice speaking
into the lens and try not to look at your screen too much
while you’re recording, this will help you engage with your
viewer.
Conclusion
As you can see, vlogging entails quite a bit, but there is a lot that
you can get out of it. What you need to remember is that those
people watching your videos want to see some unique content, so
above all else, unique and engaging content will always win out.