There were a couple of things that struck my attention as I watched the movie.  The first was how the camera focused in on some of the shots.  They cut out key surrounding elements so your focus was on the main character.  One particular scene was when Milly was milking the cow and Adam was introducing himself and asked her to marry him.  In this scene, you could tell that Milly was milking the cow, but you saw very little of it.  The camera squeezed out all but Milly.  Chopping off the cow head or legs depending on what part was appropriate.  I never really thought about what is not in the picture to help draw your attention to a specific character.

 The movie was full of transition parts.  Most of them were fading in and out of various parts of scenery.  Others were horses racing down a path and running right off the screen into the forefront.  Another type of transition utilized was things back off in the distance that enters the scene.  For example when Milly is introduced to her new brother-in-laws, they seem to run in from nowhere in the far away distance.

 Lastly, I was impressed with the use of the fake background.  In 1954 when this was originally shot, they did not have green screen to impose “real” background into the film.  The use of mountain scenes and riverbeds, etc. was really done well.  I was impressed with the depth it really gave the scenes.  There was a scene of the boys chopping wood that really brought this to my attention.  I noticed it throughout the rest of the movie as it progressed. 

 If you like musicals and have not seen this one, I would highly recommend it.  I will watch it again just for fun without my pen and paper.

Tiger PRIDE

            My plan for the future is to work with and learn a more advanced web design program like Dreamweaver.  With this program I would like to add animation and audio that plays automatically.  Originally, I wanted to create a cheer as the letter of the acronym come into the screen.  I was limited with the free site and will continue to work with a new program to improve on the design.  I would like to get my current students to create their own ideas in how to depict the PRIDE acronym.  Having them create their own video and upload it to the site.  I would like to also add an area like a blog that teachers or students can add comments about students who have been “caught” showing their Tiger PRIDE.  Adding photos of these students to the comment might also be implemented.  I am far from being done with this concept and will continue to improve on it.

            I would like to have the finished website used at parent/student orientation night to promote the Tiger PRIDE concept.  It will be available on our school’s website for everyone’s access.  The students will constantly have input on new audio and video and update the web page yearly.  To say the least, this project is a work on progress.  I have the basic idea completed and plan to continue altering the design until it meets my overall expectations.

            Please view and comment on my project for EDTEC 665.  Thank You.

 http://tigerpride.yolasite.com/

http://tigerpride.yolasite.com/

http://tigerpride.yolasite.com/

Tiger PRIDE

P      Preparation –

• I will have all materials for class.

• I will be in my seat when the bell rings.

• I will complete all assignments on time.

R      Respect –

• I will keep hands, feet, and objects to myself.

• I will be listening attentively during instruction.

• I will not disrupt the learning environment.

I      Involvement –

• I will volunteer to read and give answers.

• I will ask questions.

• I will participate in group activities.

D      Discipline –

• I will exhibit self control.

• I will follow school rules.

• I will use time that is given in class.

E      Effort –

• I will give my personal best at all times.

• I will not make excuses.

• I will show my Tiger P.R.I.D.E.

Just a reminder to me that when the clouds seem so dark and full of despair, there are always “Helping Hands” to shed a little light in your life.  I am not sure if these “Helping Hands” are going to get me through the next 2 1/2 weeks of schooling, but I will take any help I can get.