That’s the link to my game….hope you enjoy the fascinating play!!!!

 Creating this game gave me a better understanding of object oriented programming.  In my game for instance, a Sprite is created that looks like a blue ghost.  That same image is used in several objects that I created, just naming them different.  Many times an object is identified by the events that occur.  This was difficult in my game because my Princess changes (identifying)sprites quite often…..however she is still manipulated under the same object. When Gamemaker refers to “event”, I believe they mean “method, or a segment of code that defines an action.  So, when my Princess collides with a wall(sprite) then an action has happened to trigger a response or message (call). I was quite surprised when I created an executible version of my game and realized the memory and processing resources it needed.  This is a definite disadvantage of using the OO paradigm.  I am quite sure I will never know JAVA, but after our game making assignment, I am glad someone can simplify it for lay people like myself to enjoy.

I hope you all catch the right one!

Research the jobs on the internet, looking at a minimum of three job postings, and create a list of what skills you will need to have to get each of the job, as well as what other requirements, such as years of experience, that the jobs require. Also specify your job listing sources as well as any salary ranges they indicate. Do some research on the Web and write up a short description of what a typical day on each of the jobs would be like.

Make a list of your current skills and create a plan for gaining the position you are interested in. What skills can you pick up in classes here? What internships are available (check the ACM Website) to let you show your skills?

What do you feel that you still don’t know about these jobs? How can you find out? How sure are your that you want to pursue each of these jobs as a career? Has your mind been changed at all by this lab?

Post your answers to this lab on your blog.

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You pose some very good and thought provoking questions.  I am a bit different from many of the students taking this class and have never really thought I would pursue a career in computer technology.  I am a 42 year old returning student who left IUPUI with only 6 hours of elective courses needed to complete my BA.  The mortgage industry, where I have been employed since I left IUPUI, has suffered a bubble burst.  In order to prepare myself for a career change, I decided to take two computer courses to complete and compliment my BA in Communications.  Yes, I am a liberal arts student!  I do think a marketing/PR job, which is what I hope to find, requires knowledge of Web design, Publisher and other creative software.  That is why I am taking these courses.

I found three jobs and more importantly, three companies on Monster.com that interested me.  The first is Hobson’s position as a Marketing and Communications Coordinator.  The salary range is not mentioned.  They require 1 to 2 years sales/marketing experience, a BA degree.  They require the candidate to be able tocreate and update the website, handle web campaigns and be familiar with the Adobe creative suites.   Stimulus Wordwide is hiring an Advertising/Marketing/Public Relations Associate.  They want a Bachelors degree with 2-5 years experience and experience with web design/development. Salary range is $28 to $30,000.  Rightfish is hiring a software sales person.  They offer an “attractive” base plus commission.  They want excellent written, verbal and computer skills.  A commitment to 50% travel is required. 

As you can see, many non-computer field jobs require proficiency in computer skills.  I believe we are at a turning point where all jobs will require more than a basic proficiency in computer skills.  I don’t think this research has changed my mind, but it does compel me to work harder at learning the Adobe Creative Suite Software. I will need to take some more classes as I pursue a marketing position, if only to stay current with the most recent software developments.   

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1965 proved to be a major milestone when Jack Kilby at Texas instuments and Robert Noyce at Fairchild developed integrated circuits. The minature chip substantially reduced the size of computers. 1976 and Steven Jobs created a computer kit which hobbyists gobbled up.  Then IBM and it’s PC development in 1981. Mobile technology is the current technology that will change the way we use computers.  Someday, I suspect we will all be carrying around little computers that function as well as our desktops and laptops.
2. The computer and IT industries have rapidly emerged as a global economic force in the last twenty years. What benefits and drawbacks does this rapid growth have for our culture? Do you think this growth should be slowed?

Growth is always good, however the dot.com bubble (like the real estate bubble now) is a lesson for investors and consumers in general.  I don’t believe the government should ever stimy growth, or bail people/investors out. We learn from growing pains.
3. Compare computer professions to other professions such as the law, medicine, teaching, etc. in terms of working conditions, educational preparation, salaries, and social status. Consider why you are attracted to the computing professions and discuss what would provide the incentive for you to be successful in an IT field.

Computer professionals are absolutely neccesary for every other profession to function.  Compter professions allow for telecommuting and some solitary work.  After being in a people oriented profession for so long, I am attracted to working alone and with team members.  Contract employment is both a disadvantage and an advantage.  It’s an advantage because you can “go where the work is”. The disadvantage is you have to “go where the work is” and many times are not offered benefits.  Continuing education in the computer field is a little daunting.  As technology changes, the 4 year degree will not keep you afloat.  Today’s masters will be out of work if they don’t continue to learn. function saveChanges(formName, textAreaId) { var _textArea = document.getElementById(textAreaId); if (_textArea != null) { if (typeof FCKeditorAPI != “undefined”) { var editor = FCKeditorAPI.GetInstance(textAreaId); document[formName].savedText.value = editor.GetXHTML(false); } } }

 When I tried to upload my edited version it said it didn’t meet security guidelines.???I used a trial version of Photoshop….could that be why?  I will sent the picture to you in email.

Harry Potter movies are fantastic renditions of fantastical books.  These books could only be movies with special effects.  Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone contained over 700 visual effects. The broom flying scenes and especially the fictional game of Quidditch are especially memorable scenes.  To create the Quidditch game on screen, constant motion for 11 minutes of unscripted material was quite a challenge.  A combination of actors flying on brooms on wires against blue screens and computer-drawn Quidditch field, stands and players was used.

Faster computer processsors made special effects for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix happen that could not have existed in the earlier Potter movies. The flying rigs are now operated by computers and hydraulic rigs. The rigs being computer operated help them work with the CG guys to create a seamless match for the computer world and the real world. The broom flying scenes require flying someone in front of a blue screen and then placing that action in the CG enviornment later. The broomstick rigs had to be adapted as the child actors have aged and grown. 

Some other effects in Harry Potter are:

The Fat lady- a plain cardboard cut out was used in filming at Gloucester Cathedral. Actress Elizabeth Spriggs was added in post-production

The Mountain Troll- ony a CGI effect

Fluffy- anotherCGI character

A hat puppet and and computer animation were using for the Sorting Hat.

Lord Voldemort- the face of a nasty villain in the back of a man’s head, Richard Bremmers face was placed on the back of Ian Harts head.

Magic wands waved almost always include CGI effects

These movies are as much about the special effects are the story.

Visual Programming Plan

Visual Studio.et is a complete set of tools used for building ASP web applications, xml web services, desktop applications and mobile applications.  This is a multi-language environment to develop solutions.

Visual J# uses a sytax that is familiar to Java Language users although it will only run on the .net framework and is not endorsed by Microsystems, Inc.

Smart Device projects are supported

Web forms with drag and drop capability and addition of HTML code is supported.

The .net environment allows for remote team design, development and deployment of solutions

I also learned about XNA Game Studio Express.  This is a set of tools based on Mircosoft VisualC# that allows students and hobbyists to build games for Windows and Xbox.  I didn’t know it could be so easy….right!!!!!  Someday,in my spare time, I might try this out.

I am not a gamer, so I had no idea what toplay for the Multimedia project.  I happened to find a game I am familiar with from my much younger days….PACMAN.  These are the complicated things I saw in the first five minutes of playing the game…and I don’t think you would see much more if you played it for five days. ( :

The scrolling text for game directions

The Boogie-bad guys are srambling independtly of eachother in various directions at any given time.

When they catch me and they always do….there is an explosion without sound…just the visual

There is a contunual score keeper/counter keeping track of all the goodies I eat up on my way to ?death

There is a big GAME OVER sign that appears only when the goblins eat me up.

I will try to upload my screeshot.  I don’t know if there was a better way to screen shot, but I there was no one for me to ask. OK there is a link at the top of the page!

YES!  Is there a person alive who hasn’t sat in front of their computer and said “Now, where was that?”  Office 2007 is a perfect recent example.  However, I believe it is frustrating because I am familiar with the old screens.  And can I say that I hate icons….there are too many of them.  I just want a tag in English because the icons are not self explanatory any more.  I agree that people find ease of use only after they are familiar….and then somebody goes and changes it all to make it easier and we have to relearn it all again. 

2. Is it possible to make computer software significantly easier to use?  I think standards and routine practices are the only way to make users more comfortable.  Education has historically been a key factor, but as younger generations grow up computer savvy, that will become less important.

3.  Would you agree that programmers do not understand the viewpoint of a typical computer user and consequently produce bad software?  I think sometimes, but most teams require some user feedback before going live.  A solitary programmer can get lost in their own head and impress themselves with their clever programs…..but I dont think we are subjected to that in our mainstream usage.

The computer users bill of rights is funny and a necessary reminder that “regular” people need to be able to use the machines.  The programmers need to stay focused on the task, which is to provide a vehicle that allows other people to accomplish their tasks.  My biggest compaint is usually the lack of technical support.  I love to call and have someone ask me if I have tried to reboot……then they can’t determine the problem and I have now spent hours of my life I will never get back.

Taking online classes has been an interesting experience.  It is not easier, in fact I think there is more work and less instruction.  I think online courses should be certain to have a great text book.  Out of my three online classes, only one has a book that I find to be helpful.  I think audio/video lectures with power point slides could be very helpful since I appear to be an auditory learner.  I have not used Wiki’s but any group interaction seems like a learning tool that should be used.  Depending on the material to be taught, I think simulations and games could prove to be an important way to enhance online learning.  I would also have like our Book on CD to have audio so I could listen to it while I am driving.  Just a thought!

Porter’s Five Forces Model shows the factors that contribute to competition(pg568).  A clear mission statement will help a company respond to opportunities and threats effectively.

2. The decision to create an information system is sometimes driven by new technology “that is, new hardware or software that makes it possible to automate a system or process” while others are driven by users’ the people who will ultimately use the information system. What are the pros and cons of each approach?

If new technology is the driving force behind creating an information system, there may be resistance from the users.  If the users have a level of aptitude with the current technology and have to be trained , there can be push back.  In addition, New technology may not have all the bugs worked out causing the implentation to be problematic. Once these two obstacles are overcome, the new system could be more efficient and effective than an old outdated system.

User driven system change could be costly since most users will want the most advanced and automated system available without really weighing the benefits against the cost.
3. Recall a time when you were frustrated by the way a program or operating system was functioning. How did you solve the problem? For example, did you use a help desk, user manual, or solve the problem on your own? Could the design of the program or operating system itself cause the problem? If so, what changes would you recommend to make the solution to your problem more obvious.

I have been frustrated many times.  I have used manuals, help desks, common sense, co-workers and internet searches to solve problems.  Most help desk centers are very ineffective in my experience.  I decided to take matters into my own hands and take these classes so that I will not be so dependent on others to solve my problems.  I also got rid of dial up!

4. Some users have suggested that user documentation should be developed before the system, and then used as the blueprint for system design. How would this approach change the development process and the system itself?

I am amazed that this is not the protocal.  So many times, as a user, I had to wonder what geek wrote the program without finding out what the user really needed to perform their function.  The project manager must have a great wealth of knowledge rather than developing the system around what they know best…..sounds really hard.

http://mypage.iu.edu/~aroseman/CIT112/Resume.htm