Top 5 Programs I've Learned This Semester

Well, the semester is almost over and i can definitely say it was a good one. THR 216 has taught me more than I ever thought I'd learn in a Visual Arts / Media class. The reason why I was able to adopt so many principals and ideas was simply because they were from sources that I visit everyday. Facebook, Youtube, and Photoshop are all outlets that I visit everyday however this class was able to present them in a different manner than the usual. We either traveled more in-depth on the subject or traveled in a different direction all together. As a result, I put together a list of the Top 5 programs i've learned this semester and how we were able to use them in a different environment.

1. Google Sketchup - Combining 3D space with our own personal work. Google Sketchup is an amazing program and I hope to learn more about it in the future. It allows a user to import, export, and move through a space that can be filled by anything. Cities, cars, schools, and museums are just a touch of what I was able to work with when creating a 3D space.

2. Photoshop - I've used photoshop many times before but each time I do, I learn something new and valuable. This time, it was filters and color. I was able to take a vivid picture from the past and bring it back to life by using different filters that come pre-loaded with the program. In the process, I developed a new taste for photo editing and how you can bring a picture back to life.

3. Gary's Mod - If it weren't for this class, I would have never found this program. Not well known, Gary's Mod puts you in a world that you control yourself. Similar to a video game, you have a character that you are able to give commands to walk around a given space. The coolest part is that you can ultimately hack up a kinect and use it to move your "physical" self around in the 3D space.

4. Blogger - Never would I have ever thought I would have a blog, or need one for that matter. It was brought to my attention, however, that companies are now looking for people with blogs so it has become a great hobby to have. Being the tool of the future, Blogger has made me think, learn, and act on ideas that I may never have thought been possible Enjoyable and able to reflect, writing on a blog lets me think about my day and simply release it for others to hear.

5. Java Programming - Not taught in class however the class made me add to what I know. I am a computer science major and knowing some programming, I was able to look around some code to try and find solutions for the xbox kinect. During the process, I learned some very valuable things that I have not learned in programming class.

I can easily say that I will continue to use and explore all of these programs. They are tools that are going to help me come out of this tunnel that I am in and hopefully help me see the light. Whatever it may be, experimentation is the key to success and until we achieve that state, I will continue moving and acting until I get there