The document discusses the skills and tools the author learned while constructing a product. They learned to use Photoshop, Blogger, Slideshare, Prezzi, Microsoft Publisher, and dafont.com effectively. They also improved their photography skills using a Nikon DSLR and iPhone camera. Throughout the process, the author gained experience with designing pages, editing images, uploading content, embedding slides and mindmaps, and finding fonts online. Constructing the product exposed the author to new skills, platforms, and possibilities for internet research.

1. When constructing my product, I have learned a lot of new skills such as
using photoshop effectively, using blogger etc. I have also learned about
websites that I had never heard of previously, such as slideshare and prezzi.

2. Throughout the process of making my
product, I used Blogger to document my
progress. I used blogger, as I feel it gives an
organised structure to my coursework,
making things easy to find. During the
construction of making my product I
learned how to use this website properly,
and how to upload photos, prezzi’s and
slideshares on to it.

3. I used Photoshop to making my contents
page, front cover, and to edit my images. I
had never used Photoshop beforehand, so I
developed a number of skills in this area. I
now feel I can effectively use Photoshop,
and to a high standard. I chose to use
Photoshop, as I feel it provides a
professional finish to the product.

4. Before After

5. I used Microsoft Publisher to create my
double page spread. I used publisher
instead of Photoshop, as it handles large
quantities of text better. I followed a
template for a double page spread as well
on this software; this allowed me to create
columns, change widths of borders and
move everything into the place I wanted
it- which I didn’t know existed. So I have
broadened my horizon of knowledge in
this platform.

6. I used a website called dafont.com to
get new fonts for my magazine. Before
this product, I had never come across
this website- so in the process of making
my magazine, I had learned a new way
of getting exciting fonts other than the
basic Microsoft fonts. The fonts I chose
were then downloaded into my
Photoshop and publisher programs
enabling me to use them. This showed
me what the internet has to offer when
designing products, as I though I would
be limited to a small selection of fonts,
where using dafont.com- I actually saw
there were 1000’s.

7. I used Firefox and Google when
researching prior to making my magazine
itself. When doing my searching online, I
was exposed to many sources of
information I had never come across,
websites with all magazine demographics
as well as magazine websites themselves. I
also used google to obtain a barcode to use
on my magazine- which there was a huge
choice of. This showed me how useful the
internet it when researching and that
possibilities are endless.

8. Like I am doing currently, I used
Slideshare to present many of my blog
posts. I had never come across this
platform beforehand, so while
constructing my magazine, I had learned
yet another skill that I can develop further
in the future. I also learned how to
embed these slideshares onto my blog.
I enjoy using slideshare as it enables me
to create longer blog posts without
making it look messy- and it gives a
professional feel how I can have more
than just text on my blog.

9. As well as slideshare, I also came across a
feature called Prezzi, which lets you create
online mindmaps and embed them into
your blog. I again had never heard of this-
but once using it a few times I soon picked
up how to use it correctly. I enjoy using this
as well, as I feel it adds more depth to a
blog, and makes it more interesting to read.

10. When taking my main images I used a
Nikon DSLR, and for concert pictures, I used
an iPhone 4S. I had never used a high
quality camera before, so while making my
magazine, I had learned many photography
skills such as zooming, blurring and using a
flash. I also learned how to use a white
background and how to use lighting to
create shadow. I feel this camera was the
right one to use and it delivered me with
good quality pictures that look
professional.