How did you use media technologies in the construction and research, planning and evaluation? By Komal Rana

Over the years technology (including hardware and software's) have constantly been developing as it has become more advanced. This has enabled me to create a successful and creative music video, magazine advert and CD cover. Without these technology (including hardware and software's) I would not be able to create these media products as it would be extremely time consuming and in low quality.

What are hardware’s? Hardware is the name given to the physical components of an ICT system. For example, keyboards, screens, cables, hard drive and printers. ICT system works on the basis of input, processing and output. Without hardware’s and software's I would not have been able to create my products. Thus, software’s and hardware's such as ‘Final cut pro’ and ‘camera equipment’ enabled me to expand my understanding, knowledge and skills that I had within these area. Moreover, it also enabled me to learn new skills for example, I was unaware how to use ‘AutoSTREAM’. This software enabled me to create an entertaining presentation by providing me with a range of features.

Hardware’s and Software’s This image represents software’s and hardware’s that I have used to create my successful media products that allow me to attract my audinece. MyPlick, Touch screen, Printers, ID/PS, YouTube, Hard Disk, Hard Drive, Google, Internet, Mouse, Slide share, Tripod, Prezzi, CD –ROM, Final Cut Pro, Survey monkey, Wordpress, Blackberry, I phone, USB’s, Excel, Microsoft word, Windows live Movie Maker, Computer, Speakers and AutoSTREAM.

Technologies (hard wares and software's) used in Research and planning I used ‘Prezi’ in my research and planning to create entertaining presentations. For example, having analysed a range of narrative theorist, I decided to represent my understanding of these theorist through ‘Prezi’. Some features ‘Prezi’ contained where different background templates, variety of fonts, ability to add audio and insert images. These features were very effective as it made my presentation entertaining and stand out. The link below is an example of how I used ‘Prezi’ to create an enjoyable presentation. prezi/?kw=view-ou02rhf6xs-o&rc=ref ‘Windows Live Movie Maker’ enabled me to create an exciting story board for my music video. This has been effective as I was able to understand the types of camera angles and shots my music video would have more easily and visually which I found was very fun.

Microsoft office software such as ‘Excel’ and ‘Word’ was used to create my call sheets, treatment and song lyrics. This was beneficial as it was very effective, quick and easily way to store and view the data.. The image below is an example of how I used ‘Excel’ to create an effective call sheet. Social network working sides such as blackberry’s, YouTube and Facebook was used to promote my music video and collect my audience responses. This was beneficial as it enabled me to promote my music video to a wide group of people.

Internet explorer, Word press and Google chrome were three dominant software's that I used to construct my research and planning. For example, I used Google chrome to identify the conventions of rap music videos. Without these three software finding information and storing the data would difficult and time consuming. Moreover, I Wordpress used to record my progress from the beginning till end. In addition these three software enabled me to promote my music video for example, through other website such as Facebook. The image on the right is an example of how I used Google Chrome to understand what genre is. I used FinalCut pro to construct my music video and preliminary task. I found this software extremely useful as I was able to expand my skills for example, FinalCut pro enabled me to edit shots and add effects in my preliminary task. The link below is an example of how I used FinalCut pro in my preliminary task. mbedded&v=uupqALkDhBg

The external hard drive enabled me to store data such as shots for my preliminary task. This was beneficial as I could easily transfer data from one computer to another via USB port. The screen played a major role throughout my research, planning, construction and evaluation as it enabled me to view the data on screen. I used a Cannon xm2 video recorder. This allowed me to record footage for my preliminary exercise. I used speakers to allow me to listen to the tracks produced from my artist. This was beneficial as It encourage me to choose ‘W.A’. I used the printer to print my questionnaires to give to people to find out who my target audience are. The printer allowed me to print a huge amount of documents.

Technologies used in the construction I used Final Cut Pro to edit my music video and add effects. This allowed my music video to attract my target audience. I used Microsoft word and Excel for the pre production paper work for example, when creating my call sheet. I used my mobile phone to send a broadcast that had a link to my music video. This encouraged people to watch my music video which would be beneficial when getting feedback.

I used ID ‘Photoshop’ to create my CD cover and magazine. This software contained a range of features for example, it allowed me to add effects, add different fonts, change text into a different font or colour, and add multiple layers on top of one text. The image below are examples of how I used ‘Photoshop’ to create a successful CD cover.

Technologies used in evaluation I used Microsoft PowerPoint in my evaluation to represent data. I found Microsoft PowerPoint very beneficial as it contained a range of features that made my presentation entertaining. For example, this software enabled me to use different fonts that would attract the reader. Also, it allowed me to add effects to each slide. This was good as it made my presentation interesting. I used ‘Prezi’ for one of my evaluation questions. This programme contained a range of features for example, it enabled me to add images such as my CD cover. Therefore if anyone viewed my ‘Prezi’ they were easily able to view the data and information. ‘SurveyMonkey’ enabled me to conduct a survey for my audience and gain quick feedback. This was beneficial as enabled me to send my survey out to a wide range of people whereby I was able to see there views and opinion regarding my final music video. Moreover, the results allowed me to see what I did good and what I needed to improve upon.

Conclusion Having used a range of technologies, software's and hardware's I was able to create a successful CD cover, magazine advert and music video from the beginning till the end (evaluation). Moreover, I strongly feel that I have learnt and broaden my skills and understanding of these new software's and hardware's.