Skills Focus: Internet Research, WebDesign, Presentation Design, Meaningful use of IT
Essential Question: Can the internet save lives?
I have found in the past that many of the projects in my InfoTech classes are not very purposeful. We learn many important skills in design and computer use, with a focus on a number of very useful programs. Why not use these programs in a meaningful way?
We have practiced using PowerPoint, Publisher, and Photoshop so far, but I don't want you to simply forget about them now that your projects are completed. Rather, we are going to demonstrate our abilities one more time, while actually using them to research, create awareness, and help others.
Part 1: (Friday)
Your first task for our Global Issues and Tech assignment is to use the information that I gave you regarding media and the disaster in Somalia ( https://my.care.org/site/Donation2?df_id=9600&9600.donation=landing&s_src=redppcgafricahunger9600&s_subsrc=helpcareget9600somaliahungergen&cr=tothoseinneed&gclid=CIaB3aqgt64CFQV_hwodiBqFqQ and YouTube search: Somalia faces devastating hunger). Go back to the website I showed you, as well as the YouTube videos, and answer the following question in a Word document:
"Why does the media focus only on certain disasters, forget about them after a few short months, and ignore others?"
Part 2: (Friday)
Once you have really thought about your answer and have written it down, I want you to research an issue that you feel strongly about. This may include disaster relief, starvation, genocide, war...it's up to you. You may have to look around before you choose. Once you have found something that interests you, answer the following questions on the same Word document:
1. What is the issue you have decided to research? (describe it in detail - where, when, why, how, what etc.)
2. Why did you choose this issue? Why is it important that people know about it?
3. What connections can you make with it? (This may be personal, local, and/or World)
4. Look at the website you have found, what does it look like (describe design/info)? What is effective and ineffective when it comes to creating awareness and interest in the topic? What is the overall message this site is trying to get across?
5. a)What options does this site give for help?
b)Is there a more effective way of getting this information across?
c)What other methods can we use to spread the word and get help?
6. Copy some images that you think get the message across. What makes them so impactful?
This assignment will be saved. Do not send it to me yet. You are going to use this information again so make sure you can find it.
Part 3: (Monday's Assignment)
Using the information that you researched on Friday, come up with an 11x17inch poster concept for your issue. (Set up new document with these dimensions - may also want to use transparent background).
You are to create a poster using Photoshop that creates awareness for your issue, and also calls for help. You may use any images from the internet, but the images must also be Photoshopped. Note: This is not a collage! You should use your knowledge of design to create an original poster that not only informs people of the situation, but also motivates people to get involved and help out (you should also provide ways of doing so).
Your poster will be due on Friday, March 2nd.
If you have any questions, ask or email me!
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