Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Unit 3 The Knowledge Worker - London Edxcel GCE [Applied ICT | Applied GCE]


3.1 Problem Solving


What shall I wear today? Which programme shall we watch? Many of the
problems we encounter and the decisions we make are personal and have
little effect on others. However, as an advanced ICT user and knowledge
worker, you will be faced with making decisions that have a direct, often
wide-ranging, impact on other individuals, groups or the organisation as a whole.

Once a problem is defined, specific information is required to make
decisions on how best to solve it. You will learn to process the information
you have available to create new information, thereby increasing your
knowledge of the situation.

Often you will find yourself faced with an enormous amount of potentially
useful information and at times with information overload — far too much
information available so that you cannot easily find the knowledge that
you need. You will need to discard irrelevant information so that you are left only with information that you can process. Most importantly, you must remember that technology can only provide you with potentially useful information — it does not create knowledge for you.



3.2 The Decision-Making Process


Informed decision making is a systematic process which takes into account all the valid information available.

As a knowledge worker faced with making a decision you will need to:

  • make sure that you fully understand the situation
  • search for information related to the problem
  • establish what sources of information there are and how reliable they are
  • identify gaps in your knowledge that cannot be filled
  • find out if there are any other factors which need to be considered, including constraints
  • select the information you will use
  • analyse the information
  • identify alternatives
  • make the decision
  • justify the decision
  • explain it to others

You will need to consolidate your understanding of this process by
considering examples, such as the problem of selecting the appropriate
season ticket for a business commuter. There are a number of factors to
take into account including the types of ticket available, the costs, the
availability, the number of journeys, time of day, holidays, etc.



3.3 Understanding the Situation


In order to stand a realistic chance of making the right decision, it is
essential to think things through.

  • What exactly do you have to decide?
  • Are there different viewpoints?
  • How does this decision compare with similar decisions you may have had to make already?
  • Are there variations from time to time or place to place?
  • How long have you got to decide?
  • What resources are at your disposal?



3.4 Sources of Information


When trying to make a decision you need to first establish what you know
and what you need to find out. You need to identify all relevant sources of
information and make judgements about their accuracy and usefulness.

You will need to ask yourself the following questions:

  • What do I need to know?
  • What relevant knowledge do I already have?
  • What are the gaps in my knowledge and can they be filled?
  • What information do I already have access to?
  • Where will any additional information come from?
  • How will I evaluate sources of information to ensure that content is reliable?



3.5 Other Factors to Consider


This is where your qualities as a knowledge worker are really put to the
test, as the best decisions take all available knowledge into account. Once
you have assessed the usefulness of information, you must consider other factors that might influence the decision, such as:

  • gut feeling — ‘I just know that this is the right thing to do’
  • emotion — ‘I will never forgive myself if I make a risky decision’
  • sentiment — ‘what will the others think?’
  • ambition — ‘how will this affect my career?’
  • lack of knowledge — are the gaps significant?



3.6 Making a Decision


You should at this stage have gained as much information as possible about
the situation. You now need to maximise your knowledge by analysing the
information and by testing out alternative solutions.

There are many ways of manipulating information to help you make
decisions but one of the most useful is that of modelling.
Spreadsheet models are powerful aids to decision making. A wellconstructed
model will capture the main features of a situation without getting bogged down with unimportant details. It will allow you to explore alternatives and predict behaviour under different conditions. The results of using the model, combined with all the other knowledge you have relating to the situation, should allow you to make a decision or recommendations for the future.



3.7 Computer Modelling


You will need to practise using spreadsheet models to help you make
decisions. But, bear in mind that the decisions you make are only ever as
good as the model upon which they are based! Before putting your trust in
a model — whether created by you or somebody else — you need to check
that it is correct.

  • Is the logic of the model correct?
  • Are the data formats appropriate?
  • Is the syntax of the formulae correct?
  • Are the cell references correct?

Before you begin to design and construct spreadsheet models of your own,
you will need to try out and evaluate a range of existing models. When
evaluating each model you should determine:

  • the process/scenario being modelled
  • what it does
  • how well it does it
  • whether it could be improved
  • which variables can be input
  • what the output tells you
  • the decisions you could make using it



3.8 Using a Model to Consider Alternatives


Once you are sure that a model is working correctly you can use it to see
the effects of various courses of action. For example, the model may
indicate the most cost-effective solution, but that is unlikely to be the
only consideration. You will need to decide:

  • which decision produces the best results
  • the alternatives
  • factors that differentiate between them
  • anything that the model does not take into account
  • what the impact of these might be



3.9 Justifying the Decision


Having considered both the results of your model and other factors, you
will need to use your knowledge to make a decision. As a knowledge
worker your task is not only to make recommendations based on the
information you have selected or derived, but to justify your decisions to
others. As you go through the decision making process you should record
your progress so that relevant documentation is available when you come
to present your report.



3.10 Reporting it to others


Your recommendations should include:

  • a summary of the current situation
  • sources of information and alternatives you considered
  • other factors you took into consideration
  • the methods you used to reach your decision
  • your decision
  • justification of your decision, supported by evidence of the decisionmaking
process



3.11 Evaluating a Model


You will need to be able to evaluate models. You will need to crossreference
your method of solution against the original objectives in
considering the following.

  • How well has the model performed?
  • To what extent has the model helped you to make the decision?
  • What else would you like to do?
  • Does the model need extending and, if so, how?



3.12 ICT Skills


You must be able to use a range of ICT tools and techniques to:
• carry out spreadsheet modelling tasks, including: —

  • entering and editing data, eg absolute and relative cell referencing, adding data and text to a chart
  • formatting data, eg colours, shading and borders, headers and footers
  • using formulae and function, eg mathematical, statistical, financial and relational
  • validating and checking data, eg errors in formulae, accuracy of results
  • analysing and interpreting data, eg filters, subtotals
  • presenting information, eg graphs and charts
  • modifying spreadsheet models to take account of requirements

• produce word processed documents that communicate effectively and
impart information to an audience, including: —

  • importing data from other applications, eg adding a spreadsheet graph/chart to a word processing document
  • formatting documents
  • creating document layouts, eg tables and columns
  • checking documents

• produce presentations that communicate effectively and impart
information to an audience, including: -

  • creating and editing presentations
  • formatting slides
  • inserting text, pictures and charts into presentations
  • importing data from other applications, eg adding a spreadsheet graph/chart to a presentation
  • checking presentations



3.13 Standard Ways of Working


Whilst working on this unit, you will be expected to use ICT efficiently,
legally and safely. You must adhere to standard ways of working,
including:

• file management
  • saving work regularly
  • using sensible filenames
  • setting up directory/folder structures to organise files
  • making backups
  • choosing appropriate file formats
  • limiting access to confidential or sensitive files
  • using effective virus protection
  • using ‘readme’ files where appropriate to provide technical information, eg system requirements

• personal effectiveness
  • selecting appropriate ICT tools and techniques
  • customising settings
  • creating and using shortcuts
  • using available sources of help
  • using a plan to help you organise your work and meet deadlines

• quality assurance
  • using spell check, grammar check and print preview
  • proofreading
  • seeking views of others
  • authenticating work

• legislation and codes of practice
  • acknowledging sources
  • respecting copyright
  • avoiding plagiarism
  • protecting confidentiality

Source http://chauncy-ict.pbworks.com/w/page/9660296/Unit%203

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Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Create Storyboard for Website BIT UCSC UoM Student Projects Flowcharts


Introduction:
The process of developing a website requires following various stages such as planning and design. The design process, involves graphic representations of structures and functionalities intended for the site. Storyboards, is one of these objects that provides an illustrated concept of the structure and purpose of the website. Although Storyboards has been used mainly in the animation and film industry, it is a powerful tool used in project management.
However, there is still some confusion about how to approach the concept of a storyboard into a website. For that reason, this report will cover basic concepts, considerations and guides to create an effective storyboard. In order to make clearer understanding to this objective, an example has been designed using a template that organizes information that any industry project might use.

What are Storyboards?
Storyboards started in the animation industry in the early 1900 and are defined as an illustrated tool for producer or directors to review how a production will look in the final edited version. As well as any other building plan, storyboards are able to guide the crew of a production to achieve what has been designed by the director. All the shots are illustrated through drawings with important information that gives specific direction to be followed by the crew (Mark, S. 2007).
However, how to associate this definition to websites storyboard? Well, it is a fact that websites require previous production management like any other development project. The basic purpose of a storyboard is similarly applied to websites. The work of Gatsos (2010) indicates that storyboarding within the web design process is a fundamental element. This initial practice is an advantageous way to diminish time and effort on the development process. Moreover, The Joint Information Systems Committee (2010) points out that each page should contain information related to any type of media intended to be used as well as clarify whether any resource needs to be developed.

Storyboarding websites
Storyboards are fundamental part of the design phase in project management. After developing the flowchart, which defines the appropriate structure of the website, it is essential to reproduce that information through the storyboard.



Hierarchical Flowchart example
There are different formats to create storyboards for websites. However, it is important to maintain
consistency as well as support of all the content that is being provided so that other project members are able to understand the purpose of each screen. (see image bellow)



Storyboard format example

Storyboard Structure
Storyboards are an effective communication tool among the project team members; it should be able to illustrate clearly the structure and content without being necessarily functional.
Therefore, it is essential to use storyboards so that the main goal of the site is not missed affecting timeframe, cost and resulting in unexpected modifications (Boag, P. 2005).
Storyboards can start by hand during the brainstorming phase. Drawing previous sketching of the intended site structure will allow to overview in advance possible issues that can be modified on time.
The image bellow is a basic sketch of a site homepage, so excessive details are not needed at this stage.


Basic Sketch
In a posted article titled Pre-Production , there are important points to consider during the design process that should be included in the storyboards:
  • There is a storyboard for each page, screen, or frame.
  • Each storyboard is numbered.
  • Include relevant details (colour, graphics, video, sound, font, interactivity, visuals, etc.).
  • All text or narration is included and cross referenced with its corresponding storyboard number.
The points previously listed need to be included within a storyboard page format. Beth Agnew offers on her website a free document with samples of storyboards templates (download template) that can be used to create an effective storyboard. On the other hand, Jenny Morice a lecturer in the Computing and Information Technology School at Griffith University, proposes a more structural format (image bellow).
I have found this particular arrange very convenient when designing storyboards. This template, allows you to specify all the intended content of each page in an organized and clear way. This template also helps to achieve what is suggested in the Pre-Production article of how to organize the content of storyboards.



Storyboard Template
An example has been created using this template so it can be seen how to complete a storyboard correctly.



Full Storyboard Example
It can be seen that the arrangement of the template remains. The top of the template is the only space where the actual structure of the website can be illustrated.
Furthermore, naming convention is also established through the storyboard in order to standardise communication among the team for instance; to name the images, a prefix is included ‘img_’ then name of the image ‘exhibition_’ and finally the size ‘800×900’. By doing this, the organization of the content is more accurate and the images are sufficiently identified so that opening them is not strictly necessary.
Additionally, this template not only gives a basic understanding of the visual structure of the website, but also provides specific technical information such as Font family, colour and size to be used during the development process by any member of the team. Text can be written directly in the box of the template or name the document and chapter where it can be accessed rapidly. When developed correctly, this powerful communication tool is able to illustrate to customers, designers developers and project managers the general purpose of the site. Therefore, it is a fundamental support to any part, the customer or the development company allowing discussions of any issue that might come across.

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Specifics:


Download and complete one storyboarding form for EACH PAGE of your website. This form asks you to do several things that are commonly accomplished in the first storyboarding phase (though the preliminary vision is often revised as you go):

  1. Determine what content you want to include in your site
  2. Determine how you will invite others to contribute to the content of this site. Perhaps you will simply invite visitors to send you info and provide an email link or an email form. In any case, part of your assignment invovles inviting your audience to contribute to the site, to "grow" it.
  3. Sketch out the site you want to build with pencil and paper. Begin with the front page, which is the most important: determine what you will include there and how you will organize it. Where should your writing go on the page? Where should an opening image go? And where will you put the links? Once you have it all laid out, determine what resources you need to make it happen and list those (the introductory text, perhaps a navigation bar, links, maybe a logo image?) When the first page is sketched, go through the same process for each of the subsequent pages. So, for example, a sketch of one page, along with the resources needed for it, might look something like this:


  1. Determine a color scheme. You may have different colors on different pages, but the overall color scheme should be somewhat consistent. Be sure that the text and link colors are different enough to be discernable and that both are visible against the background color
  2. Determine a font scheme: you'll want headings and subheadings, as well as the regular font to be relatively consistent in size, style, and color from page to page
  3. Assign both descriptive names and file names (html names) for each page of your site. For instance, if you were doing a site on Cyberpunk, you might set the following descriptive names for pages in your web site, along with the corresponding file names (in parentheses):

    • Cyberpunk Novels (novels.htm)
    • Cyberpunk Writers (writers.htm)
    • Cyberpunk's Technological Predictions (predictions.htm)
    • An Interview with William Gibson (interview.htm)
[Note: Assigning both descriptive and file names up front and documenting them on your story board will make it much easier to keep your names straight--so that you don't start linking to some non-existent page called gibson.htm or something (or interview.htmL).]

  1. Determine how you will link your pages together. Think through the logical steps to get your visitor from point A (your index page) to point B "learn more about X," though often times you'll want/need to offer links between subpages, as well. For example:


Once you have a good sense of all of this, download the storyboard form, fill out one form for each page of your site, making your page sketches at the bottom of each form and then a sketch of the flow of the entire site on a separate sheet.


References
Boag, P. (2005, August 25). Website storyboarding. Retrieved from http://boagworld.com/design/website-storyboarding/
Gatsos, D. (2010, May 18). Storyboarding Tips: Step by Step. Retrieved from http://webtoolsuw.wordpress.com/2010/05/18/storyboarding-tips-step-by-step/
Mark, S. (2007). Storyboards : Motion in Art [EBL Ebooks Corporation]. Retrieved from http://librarycatalogue.griffith.edu.au/record=b1564329~S1
The Joint Information Systems Committee. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.x4l.org/resources/healthiernation/storyboarding.pdf

10 Great Tools for Storyboarding

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It has been a while since my last blogpost. Last month, I had the great honor of writing four guest posts on the topic of mLearning for ASTD. Furthermore, I have been studying hard to complete my postgraduate studies, which made me step aside from some other projects for a while.
Having said that, last week I came across a very interesting discussion on the eLearning Heroes site and I thought it would be a great opportunity for me to share with you my favorite tools for storyboarding.
1- Desktop Applications
Articulate Storyline
As I said in that forum thread, the new Articulate Storyline is a wonderful tool to show the general structure of your courses. The Story View displays the overall project organization, making it very easy to identify scenes, information flow, different relationships among pages (screens) and so on. In addition, I can use annotated screenshots to communicate my ideas more effectively.

Articulate Storyline
Mind Maps and PowerPoint
I have also used mind maps and diagrams created with a free online tool called diagram.ly and also commercial software, such as MindManager. The mind map you can see in the slideshow below was created with diagram.ly and it is based on Tom Kulhmann´s useful suggestions on building branched eLearning scenarios. This approach has proven to be very useful for coming to an agreement on fundamental aspects before developing a functional prototype in PowerPoint.

PowerPoint

diagram.ly
Twine
This is a quite simple and free application to create a non-linear story that allows you to graphically organize how your scenarios will unfold. You can read Cathy Moore´s impressions about Twine here and watch this video to get started. In the flowchart view, each page or scene is displayed in small boxes that are linked according to the learner´s options. So as you write your story, you build a map of possible paths. The final output is a single web page that you can share with stakeholders and something that works as a functional prototype too.

Twine
Celtx
This is a free tool that was included in Craig Weiss´ recent list of course authoring tools and allows you to write audiovisual scripts, plays, comic books and film storyboards. You can include your own pictures and sketches together with written descriptions of your scenes, scripts, notes, directions and so on. I have just started using this product but it seems to be a robust pre-production system with standard script formats, media integration and possibilities for collaboration. You can download it here.

Celtx
2- Free iPad Apps
Drawing apps: Paper , Bamboo paper and SketchBook Express
I have left the best for last. Most people think that mobile devices are just great for content consumption at the exact moment of need. However, I believe that mobile devices make me more productive and creative and this is why I love CREATING content by using, particularly, my iPad.
In my honest opinion, intuitive drawing apps that have been created from the ground up for natural touch gestures are great for idea generation as they stimulate the usual way our brain works for making connections. Apps like Paper by 53, Bamboo Paper and SketchBook Express help me capture and sketch my ideas as well as create and explore UI/UX designs, graphics and data visualizations and a new course structure and navigation.

Paper
Animation Desk Lite
This is a more sophisticated app than the previous three, but if you want to free your imagination and find new sources of inspiration, it is worthwhile to try it. You can create hand-drawn animations by using different tools like brushes and palettes as well as professional animation resources like frames, skins and close-up view. You can even create an animation and embed it in your eLearning courses since it can be exported as a YouTube video.

Animation Desk Lite
Storyboards 3D
By far, this is my favorite app for storyboarding. If you lack drawing skills or just don´t have enough time, this is a great tool for quickly drafting and presenting your ideas. You can position and rotate 3D characters and objects in all directions, include text blocks and speech bubbles, insert photos in every shot or scene, add notes and even record audio. You might find the free version a little bit limiting but you can purchase packs and develop a whole story right there on you iPad.

Storyboards 3D: Create a new project

Storyboards 3D: Give a title to your project

Storyboards 3D: Character´s expressions

Storyboards 3D: Script notes

Storyboards 3D: Font Styles

Storyboards 3D: Add a new scene

Storyboards 3D: Object Placement

Storyboards 3D: Characters´poses

Storyboards 3D: Organize shots

Storyboards 3D: Scenes Overview
I know that sometimes we are snowed under with work and we can´t try every single tool out there or explore new approaches that may seem time-consuming at the beginning. However, I think it can be worth renewing our design kit once in a while in order to become more innovative and resourceful as we broaden our repertoire of skills. 

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There are several free online AI tools available for creating flowcharts easily and quickly:

  1. Whimsical: Whimsical offers an AI-powered flowchart generator that can create flowcharts from simple text prompts or URLs. It's known for its user-friendly interface and flexibility, making it easy to build user flows, process diagrams, and sequence diagrams. You can start with up to 100 free AI actions​ (Whimsical)​.

  2. EdrawMax: EdrawMax provides a comprehensive AI flowchart maker that allows users to generate, edit, and customize flowcharts from text descriptions. It supports various export formats and offers numerous templates to help streamline the flowchart creation process​ (EdrawMax)​.

  3. Creately: Creately’s AI flowchart tool, known as Creately VIZ, can convert idea boards, discussion threads, and other diagrams into structured flowcharts. It supports real-time collaboration and is designed to boost productivity by integrating AI-generated insights and suggestions​ (Creately)​.

  4. Appy Pie: Appy Pie offers an AI flowchart maker that transforms text prompts into professional-grade flowcharts. It provides a variety of editable templates and an intuitive interface that simplifies the process, saving users time and effort​ (Appy Pie)​.

These tools are designed to help users visualize processes, improve communication, and enhance productivity through AI-driven automation.



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