6 What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?

I used my digital camera to take pictures for my magazine. I can use my camera with ease, however I did learn about the shutter speed and how to change it on my camera. I also learnt how to change the setting if you are outdoors, if its sunny, if your indoors etc to make the maximum of the light available.

We were given Mac computers to use for this task and before this I had never used a Mac computer and was very nervous in doing so. After a few basic tutorials I was able to use it with ease and through out this task my confidence has grown and I am capable of using quite a few of its features. I have learnt how to change preferences, move documents from desktop to memory stick. In particular I have learnt how to use Photoshop and InDesign. I had used Photoshop a little in GCSE and could do basic image manipulation but when editing the images for my magazine I learnt how to use filters, healing brush tool, burn and doge tools, blemish removing tool and how to download and install brushes using www.myphotoshopbrushes.com. I had never used InDesign before the preliminary task and found it a very useful programme. I learnt how to use layers effectively and create a professional looking magazine. I learnt about the leading and kerning and how to change the stroke around the text. I downloaded some fonts from www.1001freefonts.com and used them in my work. Through using InDesign I now understand why it is used to make magazines in the print industry.

Another skill I learnt was blogging using www.blogger.com Through this project I have learnt how to post text, videos and pictures. I also learnt how to make slideshow and post them on my blog using the image hosting site www.photobucket.com. I was surprised at how easy it is to set up and use blogger and think it is a good way to display work. I used a Flipshare video camera and found it was very easy to use and was very useful for short video clips of analysis.