reporting:
dlc,
documentation for adobe premiere
LINKS
week
1-march 24
week 2-march 31
weeek 3-april 7
week 4-april 14
week 5-april 21
week 6-april 28
At 4:30pm on Monday, March 24, 2003, the Reporting Group met with Rabieh Razzouk in the Digital Learning Collaboratory (DLC) to discuss current plans for the project. We were shown the manuals that nobody looks at for the various Adobe and Macromedia programs that are available on the computers. In particular, we viewed both the manual and help guide for Adobe Premiere v6.5, and between the two binders, the text numbered to more than eight-hundred pages.
In addition to the texts, Mr. Razzouk signed into a ÒReservedÓ computer and showed us the basic layout of Adobe Premiere. He would like to meet with the Task List Group Ð at their convenience Ð to show them the basics of the program, because not only would it cut down some of their research, he would be able to better explain precisely what he would like to see in the documentation. He also described a few of the basic functions of the program; the user can import a film file, place it on a timeline, edit it, then compress and export it. In order to aid in our research, he informed us that if we need to use a digital camera or a ÒReservedÓ computer at any time, all we have to do is ask.
When this project is finally finished, the manual will be available both electronically and as hardcopies, but he does not want straight text. The document must be very quick and easy-to-read for beginner users, complete with "step-by-step" instructions, as a substitute to an aid. In regards to the short report, Mr. Razzouk seemed unaware of this portion of the project, as his focus is on the software documentation.
We met with Rabieh on Monday at 4:30 in the DLC. We discussed where the class stood with each groups tasks and what needed to be done this week to make efficient use of the time we have. The task group has still has not met with Rabieh to look over Adobe Premiere. He said that he had met with Betty, and that was it. She seemed to have a clear understanding of the basics of the program. Even though the class as a whole went over the program on Thursday, the task group still needs to meet with Rabieh to go over more of the program. He also wants to meet with them so he can tell them specifically what he wants included in the quick guide, and in what order he wants them. He has a few ideas for the task list group to actually record something on the camcorder, which you can reserve in the DLC, and use that to play with the program and figure out the details of it. This needs to be done ASAP so that we ensure that we are making the best use of our time. We only have five weeks to get the majority of this done, so efficiency is the key.
We showed Rabieh the timeline on the Engl. 203 website so that he could keep up to date with us, and see what was going on for each week. Rabieh informed us that there would be a workshop for Adobe Premiere on Wednesday, 11am-4pm and Thursday, 9am-2pm of this week. It would be in the best interest for a member from each group to go to this and see the program in action. There will be a presentation by Ginger on Wednesday at 2pm in Stew 310 entitled, ÒIf I Can Do It, So Can YouÓ, where she will talk about being a first time user and how easy it is to learn the program. That might be of some interest also. I think that a couple of us from the research group were going to try to go. It should only last a half hour or so.
For the usability group, Rabieh said that he is willing to give them a schedule of times that students reserve computers for the use of Adobe Premiere. This will help them to find students to study and observe for the tests. Also, students in the lab would be willing to talk to the usability group about troubleshooting, usability, and the program itself.
Remember, it is best to get a hold of Rabieh by email. This way a time can be set up that will work for everybody. He is very flexible and willing to work with us on this as much as possible, and he is eager to see us get things started.
On Friday, April 4 at 4:30pm, we met with Rabieh to discuss how class time was used during the week. We also provided an update from each group. Chris from the Documentation Group joined us and a basic template for the final product was drawn out for him. Rabieh will give a list of topics for the Task List Group, and we discussed the possibility of him giving another demo to the class. It was also considered that he visit the class during scheduled class time, as numerous conflicts for other dates exist.
Additionally, we borrowed a digital camcorder from the DLC over the weekend, and we compiled footage. During the week, we will create film files from the tape and experiment with the editing software.
Overview
On Monday, April 14, we met with Rabieh in the DLC to discuss the progress
of the class thus far, and any special instructions or input that Rabieh
had to add to our tasks for the week. He suggested that the task group
not worry about in depth parts of the program because of time constraints,
and that they just focus on the list that he gave them. We also discussed
the form of the guide again to clarify what RabiehÕs thinking was on the
matter, and he said to just submit an electronic word document to him,
and that he will cut and paste, and decide where to put the tabs. He will
also print the text form of the guide on cards that the DLC already has
in stock. He will also make an electronic guide available by using the
document that we submit to him. All groups need to please start emailing
Anna with a small update, separate from the class update, so that we know
how to better manage our time, and what matters to discuss with Rabieh.
This needs to be done by Monday so that we can be productive in our meetings.
Also, if any group is having trouble with meeting Rabieh or getting a
hold of tools to use from the DLC, email Anna! Do not wait until classÉ.it
wastes time! That is what we are here for, to help everybody accomplish
there tasks. Make sure to reserve a computer or laptop if needed! You
cannot expect there to be computers available without a reservation. The
DLC can only go so far in getting us tools. It is up to us to plan ahead,
and reserve resources that are needed. Adobe Premiere is always at the
DLC, so there should be no excuse as to why you cannot access the program.
Again, you have to make time!
Group
Research
If anyone needs film files to practice using the program, or to do any
testing, we have a tape that was compiled this weekend that you can use.
Again, contact AnnaÉshe is the group leader, and will correspond with
Eric and I accordingly. We will help with anything if we can. Just ask!
Overview
The project is beginning to come together this week. Drafts of both the
tutorial as well as the secondary reports will be submitted throughout
the week for class review. As the pieces of the puzzle are coming together,
it seems that the groups are working together better and communication
between Òteam leadersÓ has improved.
Communication
with the Client (DLC)
The progress of the Documentation Group has been discussed with Rabieh
and he is comfortable with where the class is on this project. The meetings
outside of class time with the client have become shorter as the project
moves along so there is little to report from that end. It is important,
however, to keep the Reporting Group up-to-date on what is being accomplished
so they can take the information to the meetings.
Communication
with the Client (PW)
After sending an email
to several people in the Professional Writing program office (Dr. Blakesley
and Julie Staggers) asking for general ideas of what to include in our
archival report, we received a response from Dr. Blakesley. He confirmed
our initial ideas of exploring problems and possible solutions as well
as some project specifics. He also suggested we discuss the usefulness
of the DLC in other projects that PW majors may be working on for other
courses. Also, he wanted us to look at possible career opportunities/ideas
that the DLC could foster. Overall, it looks like he would like us to
look at this project not only in the specific sense or in a broad categorical
sense, but as a chance to build a relationship between other PW majors
and the DLC in the future.
week 6-april 28
As we close in on the end of the project, the meetings with the client are becoming shorter and shorter. Discussions are basically limited to minor setbacks and general updates. MondayÕs meeting with Rabieh contained some information that may be of interest to the class, but nothing that needs to be addressed in a panic
Setbacks
Apparently, the Usability Group has had some troubles with being allowed
to use reserved equipment. After discussing this with Rabieh today, it
seems there was just some confusion as to what was reserved. This can
be addressed in class tomorrow and then worked out with Rabieh. Overall,
the rest of the project seems to be moving smoothly. Another draft of
the document should go out to the client tomorrow morning sometime though.
This can be relayed through the Reporting Group via the listserv for convenience.
Other Updates
All of the groups are working diligently to finish their roles in this project. Most deadlines seem to be met and the documents should be in final drafts by the due date. The Reporting Group has taken the suggestions of the class and of the instructor and will be expanding the drafts of the two reports in class on Tuesday. Any other suggestions as to how to make the close of the project go more smoothly can be discussed during class meeting tomorrow.
reports
Drafts
DLC
Professional
Writing Program
Final
DLC
Professional
Writing Program
last.updated 5.04.03