Core One: Part Two

When I look into the future I see myself at a desk working peacefully on the next Great American Novel or editing the final version of the next Summer Blockbuster. If you haven't guessed it, I fancy myself a writer and every writer relies on some basic technology in their profession. Microsoft Office is a great place to start, but for more streamlined scripts their is software out there made just for your convenience. Final Draft would be an excellent place to start this new process, although there are many others out there like it, from my knowledge it is the most accepted. There is also software out there to help with book writing, specifically NewNovelist.
I would love to keep up to date on the latest technology as it comes out, but I will probably never consider myself cutting-edge.

Core One: Part One

My literacy, like anyone's literacy, could always stand for improvement. As for as Work-Oriented programs go I have successfully mastered (and by mastered I mean that I can competently maneuver the program) the majority of Microsoft Office. The Word, PowerPoint, OneNote, Works and Publisher features I can work on without batting an eye. Excel on the other hand does present a slight problem, I can use the basics and although I am aware of what else it is capable of, I have had some problem with committing these skills to memory.
When it comes to more media related components I feel that I am right in the middle. I can, with the help of a program, create a web page. I know basic HTML, Photoshop, several editing programs and music composition programs. I am a Jack of all Trades in this situation, but a master of none.
When it comes to "for-fun" activities I tend to revert away from technology by choice. I would much rather curl up to a book than the Wii system. I can maneuver a Wii, but find it troublesome. I love my Sims3Computer Game, but hardly have the time for it. I do enjoy my time on the internet, but primarily the Internet is for information and communication. I use to post my Poetry to the web, however, with copyright problems, I don't feel comfortable enough to do that anymore. I would love to learn software such as FinalDraft to enhance my art, but have not yet got that far.
For now, I resign to say that I am a user of tools, rather than a creator.

Google Scholar Article Analysis

In the article "Using Digital Storytelling as a Literacy Tool for the Inner City Middle School Youth" Pauline Person Hathorn argues the importance of a summer programin literacy for youth. She informs her readers of her participation in such a program, recounting her personal story of success. Also, she educates her readers on how to go about creating such a program in their cities. Hathorn's main point is that programs such as DUSTY ( Digital Underground Story Telling for Youth) are successful are are beneficial to youth and should be implemented throughout the country. The article focuses on two main areas: a detailed explanation of how DUSTY works and a comprehensive listing of resources helpful to anyone interested in starting their own program. She is directing her argument at the teachers and after school program sponsors who would have the ability to put plans like such into action.

In Hathorn's experience DUSTY worked with a group of sixteen children. They started by having the children work to collect digital footage. Then they started working with the children to create poems, short stories and narratives. They then completed the project by compiling their footage and writing into a multimedia creation. Her resource list includes great sources such as The BellSouth Digital Storyteller and Digitales.