Technology Setup
This assignment measures Module Objectives 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3, which support Course Competencies 4 and 8.
Objectives
- 0.1 Set up and verify every account and piece of software the course uses. (Course Competency 4)
- 0.2 Record and share a short explanation of your work with the recorder that fits your field. (Course Competency 8)
- 0.3 Introduce yourself and your work to the class on Discord and comment on four classmates’ introductions. (Course Competency 4)
Overview
This assignment sets up the core accounts every Digital Media course uses, rehearses the recording you will use all term, and introduces you to the class. Course-specific apps (Adobe Portfolio or Behance, LinkedIn) are set up in the module where you first use them. You are graded on the outcome, not on one brand of tool.
10 points, Process Work. About 2.25 hours.
Instructions
- Set up each core account in the table and confirm that it works (a screenshot of each, or a short written confirmation for screen-reader users).
- Record a 10-second test clip with your voice and something from your work on screen. Share it as an unlisted YouTube video or a Google Drive link shared with Maricopa.
- Post your Discord introduction in #avc248-design-self-promotion: the name you go by and how to pronounce it, your program, one thing you want to learn in this course, and two examples of past work with alt text or a description.
- Comment on four classmates’ introductions.
- Collect everything in one Google Doc, Google Slides page or Miro board.
Core accounts
| Tool | What it is for | How to get it | Privacy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canvas | Assignments and grades | Log in with your MEID (your Maricopa student ID login) | Canvas privacy policy |
| Maricopa Google account | Gmail, Drive, Docs, YouTube (unlisted videos), Gemini | Log in with MEID@maricopa.edu | Gemini for Education |
| Gemini | Research, writing and feedback; never visual design | gemini.google.com with the Maricopa account, never a personal account | Gemini education FAQ |
| Google Sites | Where you publish web pages, including your portfolio site | sites.google.com with the Maricopa account; nothing to install | Google privacy policy |
| Adobe Creative Cloud | The district license for every design app | Sign in at adobe.com with your Maricopa email; see Adobe for GCC students. Do not start a free trial. Install apps when a module first needs them. | Adobe privacy |
| Discord | Questions, critique and class community | Join the course channel: Digital Media Discord invite, then find #avc248-design-self-promotion. Download from discord.com/download or use it in a browser. | Discord privacy policy |
| A way to record and share | Showing and explaining your work all term | Your choice; see the table below | Depends on the tool |
Recording, by field
| If you are | Use this to record | What you share |
|---|---|---|
| A visual design, animation, web or game student | OBS Studio (free); Google Meet, Zoom, QuickTime or the Windows Snipping Tool also work | A short screen video with your voice |
| A sound design student | Your audio tool: Audition, Reaper or Audacity (a phone voice memo works too) | A short audio clip with a one-line written description |
| A screen-reader user | Whatever recorder you already use with your screen reader | A short audio or video clip; tell the instructor if nothing works so an equivalent is set up |
No one loses points for which tool they use. Students without a computer or reliable internet can borrow a laptop or hotspot through GCC’s Office of Information Technology (OIT) Student Technology Request.
Discord rules
- Questions go in the course channel, not direct messages, so everyone benefits from the answer.
- Set your server nickname to the name you want to be called. Screen names are allowed.
- Add a profile photo or avatar.
- Add alt text to every image you post, and a transcript or captions to every audio or video post.
Accessibility
Add alt text to every screenshot in your document. Caption or transcribe your test clip. If you use a screen reader and a step does not work with it, tell the instructor and an equivalent is set up.
Submission
Submit the link to your Google Doc, Slides page or Miro board (shared with Maricopa).
Rubric (10 points)
| Criterion | Points |
|---|---|
| Core accounts set up and verified (Objective 0.1) | 4 |
| Test recording with voice and work, shared as a working link (Objective 0.2) | 3 |
| Discord introduction with all four parts (Objective 0.3) | 2 |
| Four comments on classmates’ introductions (Objective 0.3) | 1 |
| Total | 10 |
Due
All times are Arizona time.
- Due in Canvas: Thursday, January 21, 12:00 p.m.
- Hard close: Friday, January 22, 12:00 p.m. Work submitted after the deadline and before the hard close loses 10%. Nothing is accepted after the hard close.