4. How did you use media technologies in the construction and research, planning and evaluation stages?

1. 4. HOW DID YOU USE MEDIA
TECHNOLOGIES IN THE CONSTRUCTION
AND RESEARCH, PLANNING AND
EVALUATION STAGES?
I HAVE USED MEDIA TECHNOLOGIES EFFECTIVELY IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND RESEARCH,
PLANNING AND EVALUATION STAGES OF MY COURSEWORK. THERE IS A CLEAR IMPROVEMENT
VISIBLE FROM AS TO A2 WHICH SIGNIFIES THAT MY TECHNOLOGICAL SKILLS HAVE EXPANDED AND
ENRICHED.

2. WEEBLY.COM
Firstly, we have used a website called Weebly.com to blog about
the processes we undertake in our coursework. It can be clearly
seen that the construction of my weebly blog has improved from
AS to A2. In AS it is very vague as at that time I was introduced to
Weebly, however overtime I have practised using it and learned
how to use other tools to help me build a presentable blog which
can be easily used by the viewer. In my A2 weebly blog I have
used much more sub-links which have allowed me to organise
my weebly and to make it easier for the reader to find specific
areas such as planning and research. I have also employed much
more ‘buttons’ which are interactive and allow audiences to
engage and click on information they wish to view. I ensured
there are keys on every blog page to allow audiences to pay
attention to specific information.

3. FINAL CUT PRO
In the construction process, I have used a programme called Final Cut Pro which allow to select
footage, manipulate it and construct a sequence. In AS I was first introduced to this programme
which meant it was difficult for me to adjust filters, cut footage or even place it in the right place,
especially as we used MacBook’s which I weren’t used to. In my thriller opening sequence editing
mistakes can be seen, as I found it difficult to use the programme. I used one ‘Sepia’ filter
throughout as it was easy for me not to experiment with other filters. In A2 my documentary is
definitely of better quality than last year’s coursework. I have learnt how to use new tools. For
instance, I learnt that the ‘blade’ tool can be easily used to cut footage into the desired length. I
have found out how I can change or adapt filters in order for them to match my footage. For
instance, in the reconstruction the girls face is at a focus I had to adapt that in order for the viewers
to focus on her, so I blurred out the background and made her the focal point. I have also learnt
how to add cutaways and make footage more interesting.

4. YOUTUBE
In the research process, I have used platforms such as YouTube, in order to view sequences
about bullying in order to make an analysis to inspire me. In AS I have used YouTube and it’s
a platform which I am very familiar with therefore, I can say that in terms of research I have
not developed my knowledge of other platforms which I could have viewed footage on in
order to analyse it for my research. For example, in AS I used YouTube to watch and analyse
‘Seven’, and similarly in A2 I used YouTube to watch and analyse ‘Boat Life’. This signifies I
have not driven into other platforms in order to view footage, however YouTube is a
successful free platform which has allowed me to view many videos in order for me to
complete my coursework.

5. SAFARI
In terms of planning, I have used Safari as a search tool in order to find images and
ideas for my documentary. For example, I found useful information on the NSPCC
website which allowed me to employ facts and statistics into my planning stage. I
have also used google in order to research other organisations such as ChildLine to
gather facts and statistics to be able to plan my own documentary. My skills in
planning allowed me to use technology information to gather ideas and images. I
have had these skills since AS and the fact that I am practising further allows me to
expand my knowledge of how to plan quickly and effectively.

6. EXTRA KEY POINTS:
• I have used websites such as Prezi.com, Emaze.com and Slideshare.com in order
to present my evaluation. Using these technologies I expanded my skills in
organization and presentation skills.
• To conclude, technologies I used in the various stages ensured I gained more
experience in order to be able to complete my research, planning and
construction more effectively next time.