This assignment is a major project for the course and will require your attention in several different areas. To satisfy this course's academic service-learning component, you will work as a volunteer with Austin Free-Net, at one of their sponsored sites or at their main center, for ten hours over the course of the semester. Your goal is to see first-hand how information technology is being implemented in communities outside of UT-Austin and to gain a sense of how non-profit organizations handle IT-related issues in various contexts and with users of all experience levels.
You will be working collaboratively in teams of at least three people, so that your group can coordinate its efforts at the particular AFN site with which you have chosen to work. Among yourselves, please arrange matters of transportation, time coverage, etc. to your mutual advantage.
Then, your group will develop a digital multimedia presentation of 3-5 minutes for submission as evidence of your learning in this project. The main things you want to convey in words and images are: (1) what you did with your organization, and what the organization does generally, and (2) what reflections you have about the experience (possibilities: what you learned, what you want to do next, what you wish you had time to do, what you would change if you could do it again, etc.). You will have access to the resources of the DIIA Multimedia Lab, GSB 2.130, so that you will know how to create an effective digital video presentation. The DIIA lab will offer training classes for you on: Introduction to Digital Audio; Introduction to Shooting Digital Video; Basic Digital Video Editing; and Creativity and Storyboards. Each should last about one hour. Register for these classes at https://www.utexas.edu/academic/diia/dms/courseReg/.
Since the project involves a number of steps, here is a set of project milestones your group should keep in mind.
- mid-September: your group and AFN site should be selected by 18 September
- late September: service project contracts signed by site coordinator, handed in by 27 September
- mid-October: all DIIA training should be completed by 11 October
- early November: proposed presentation storyboard due by 1 November
- mid-November: all permissions obtained for video/audio footage by 15 November
- early December: final digital presentation due on 6 December
Obviously, you will need to complete all 10 hours of service (per person) before the end of the semester, and you will need to collect digital materials through the course of the semester. Reserve the equipment early and seek out the training well in advance of the final deadlines, for there will be no extensions on this project, and its completion is a requirement for passing the course. Do not procrastinate!
Work with your other group members on this as well. When done properly, groupwork can be a huge help, especially when participants draw upon their strengths in the process. Be sure to communicate with your group frequently; share contact information; meet face-to-face in addition to other means of connecting outside of class.
Tips specific to the digital multimedia aspect of the project:
Get training and learn techniques. Attend the DIIA workshops and consult with the staff there to become familiar with the issues and challenges of developing video for electronic delivery. The DIIA staff will show you haw to use a video camera and microphone hookup, capture footage, and edit it. Consult online information to familiarize yourself with the video production process: http://www.utexas.edu/web/video/.
Learn your subject. That means you need get out to the service organization site, spend some time there, pay attention to your environment, talk to others, and generally figure out what's going on. Only then will you be able to identify what it is you might want to document with your presentation. Try to have at least five hours logged by the end of October.
Create a storyboard. Sketch out the presentation idea in a storyboard, which should help you visualize your script, through shots and scenes. During this process, you will see what additional assets you need to collect and prepare, and how to organize them all together. Arrange to discuss your storyboard with DIIA staff to get their expert feedback.
Interview subjects and collect all assets. Contact interviewees and make appointments to film them, if applicable. Bring the proper permission and release forms for participants to sign.
Edit footage and prepare completed videos. Plan to edit your footage using iMovie and/or Final Cut Pro in the DIIA multimedia lab. Bring all your assets and be sure to find the class storage drive in the lab. Back up all work you do! Your video should include a title and credit screen, suitable transitions, and titles for all interviewees. Be aware of copyright issues when including soundtracks and images. Seek responses from DIIA staff before final delivery. Prepare the final version for the web: 180 x 120 pixels.
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