My Classmate's Websites

My Classmate's Websites

It is incredible how me and my classmates did not know how to create a website, and today I am enjoying them. The most outstanding websites were the following:

Cat's Website

She has the most amazing and sexy pictures ever. She looks not only professional but very pretty!!!

Way to go Cat!!!

Dana's Website

Dana's GIF of Hawaii is incredible, it makes me want to go to the beach right now, and avoid this cold weather!!!!!!

Kelsita's Website

I love Kelsita's passion for american football and hockey! I have learned a lot of these sports, specially the team "Steleers". Loved the song "Black and Yellow"....jajajajaja.

My Classmates Blogs

My Classmates' Blogs

I enjoy so much reading my classmates blogs. The semester went by so fast, that I could not get to know many classmates very well. However, the blogs provide me with information regarding their interests, choices and stories. I really like Cat's and Renia's Blogs. I loved their backgrounds. They make the blogs look interesting; and I am sure both blogs will attract a lot of readers. Also, I loved Andrew's blog because it has a lot of information of my interest: dance pictures and videos. It is kind of interesting to look at Andrew's choreographies. I can compared these choreographies with the one he just did in the previous master concert. 

Here are the links to the blogs. ENJOY THEM!!!!

RENIA'S BLOG


ANDREW'S BLOG


CAT'S BLOG

A PICTURE OF CAT AND ME.

USING YOUR PHONE!!!!!

As I presented during last Wednesday's class, the Iphone, or any other phone with a camera, is an excellent tool for any performing arts class. This semester I choreographed for the dance education master concert, and I used my phone to video tape all of my dancers. The following list exemplifies some of the main reasons this tool is helpful for a composition course:

1. Some dancers could not come to a particular rehearsal because they were sick, had other commitments, or had to leave to their homes in other countries. They used the videos to memorize the dance.
2. The dance studio was available only one day a week, so dancers used the videos to rehearse by their own.
3. After every rehearsal, dancers received the video and an email with positive and corrective feedback. Dancers could also realize how their dancing was evolving from one rehearsal to another.
4. Several videos were sent to different people, in order to receive their comments or feedback on the choreography, costumes, music, make up, and more.
5. The videos documented a file of many ideas, even when some weren’t use in the dance.
6. The dancers and choreographers can use the videos as part of their portfolio.
7. The video can be used to advocate for a specific purpose, for example, to raise money for the group.

Click here for more information...

Video provided by Melania Fernandez; dancers are NYU students.

NYU Blackboard in Teaching and Learning

As an undergraduate, I studied business administration at University of Costa Rica from 2004-2007. That was not that long ago, and I remember that we did not have access to a web tool like NYU Blackboard. We communicated with teachers through email once a semester, and that was it. Personal interactions defined the teaching and learning process. 

Today, my experience is different. I believe Blackboard is an amazing tool for teaching and learning because it provides an effective communication. Teachers and students can build a dialogue based on rich knowledge. The discussion board, for example, provides a space for students to write their critical thoughts about a specific subject, and teachers can reply with their comments. Assessment is another advantage of NYU Blackboard, and it take place in different forms: teacher assessment, peer assessment, and self-assessment. Comments, grades, and videos are some ways feedback can be exchanged. Blackboard is easy to access, and it is available anytime and anywhere you have Internet. So you do not need to meet with people, saving yourself resources in terms of money and time.

However, there are a few aspects that I dislike about Blackboard. First of all, you have to log in and access your account in order to read new input. You do not get notified on other people's comments, unless someone send you an email. Therefore, you might find out important news too late. The other thing I believe is a disadvantage is that personal interaction is more valuable to enhance teaching and learning processes. Interaction creates richer and more valuable experiences with a stronger impact in both processes. 

I really believe that having NYU Blackboard has made my college career more effective than my undergraduate experience, but I would not say that I have learn more than in my previous experience. Blackboard is a valuable tool, but it would never replace the richness of teaching and learning in a good class.

 Image retrieved from http://www.corbisimages.com/Search#p=3&q=classroom

Help, Desk!!!

You have to watch this video. Here is the link!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Cd7Bsp3dDo

This video exemplifies the technological evolution. It is scary, but at the same time, exciting to compare this video with today´s technology, for example the I Phone 4S. It is like a robot human being, it almost thinks by itself. What will come next? Will future generations perceive the I Phone 4 S as old and outdated?

So here is another link with I Phone 5 future Features:

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-18438_7-20007304-82/iphone-5-15-most-wanted-features/

Definitely, this industry has growth potential. The following charts reveal the Apple Stock. Its value has raised, in spite of the fact that Steve Job died. This is today's information:

This second chart reveals Apple's stock growth behavior for the past year.

I really want to follow this stock behavior, and wait two or three years, to analyze the company's strategy, outcomes, and performance, without the fabulous leadership that Steve Jobs implemented.




Images were retrieved from Yahoo Finance.

First Group Meeting

First Group Meeting Reflections

To be honest, at the beginning of the semester, I wanted to work with my dance educator colleagues. They are not only my good friends, but they are also excellent students. I knew the process would had been fluent, organic, and effective.

However, today, having met my group members, I am happy an excited to work with them. They seem very passionate individuals, who are willing to try to do a creative and unique work. Last week, we had a nice discussion about ourselves, and we chose our team name: TEAM ART ATTACK.

I am looking forward not only to work with them, but also to get to know them well.

Go TEAM!!!!
The picture was taken by Art Attack's webpage, disney channel program.

Browsers!!

A web browser can be defined as an application software or program designed to enable users to access, retrieve and view documents and other resources on the Internet.


Researching information about browsers, made me realized the large quantity of browsers available to the public. These browsers have many different features, characteristics, and functions. I consider that the most outstanding facts found were the following: 


1. The chart below summarizes the history of Web Browsers. 

2. The chart below summarizes the number of users according to the different types of bowsers. 

3. The chart below summarizes the browsers according to the languages available.

4. The chart below summarizes the browsers to several features. 

After this brief research, I believe that the average population don't know how large and complex is the Browser World. It is definitely an interesting and useful topic to study.


Graphics and charts were retrieved from Wikipedia.

Shooting Dance

Shooting Dance
The word dance resembles movement, dynamics and space. These characteristics can be captured in a still photo. The challenge is behind the camera. How a photographer uses light, space and composition is essential.