Buzzfeed Personality Quiz: Walking Dead Version

Buzzfeed Personality Quiz: Have you taken one of those fun personality quizzes on Buzzfeed? Now make your own! Sign in with Buzzfeed to create a community account (you can use gmail). Then start making a quiz for people to find out which character they are. Use any characters you like. There must be at least 3 results with descriptions and at least 6 questions. Be sure to include photographs as well. Once you have made the page publish it and share. (3 stars).

For this web assignment, I decided to create my own Buzzfeed quiz! These quizzes are so random, and vary with topics. I decided to use The Walking Dead. This is one of my favorite shows that is dramatic and also very interesting as the characters try to survive during a zombie apocalypse. I used a character quiz which usually asks questions that lead you to find out which character you are from the show!! First, I signed up with Buzzfeed. Then, I started creating the quiz. First, you make the results. So in this case, the results were the different characters. I used pictures and then put their name and a brief description of the character. I used Rick Grimes, Daryl Dixon, Carol Peletier, and a walker.

Screen Shot 2015-10-20 at 1.58.56 PM

Then, I made the questions with the answers. I made 6 questions. You are able to choose picture answers or just text. I stuck with text for my answers! Then, I published my quiz on Buzzfeed! Here is a screenshot from the final product:

Screen Shot 2015-10-20 at 1.51.41 PM

It was a fun assignment! I always take these quizzes and they are always goofy and fun. It was easy but I also have never made one before so it took some time to look around and figure out what exactly I was making. It was also interesting for me to design this quiz which also has its own unique URL. Basically, knowing that I designed this myself made it so much more cool!

SO here is the link to find out which Walking Dead character you are!

Enjoy :)

http://www.buzzfeed.com/mirandacskinner/what-walking-dead-character-are-you-1xblp

 

–SALTY SKINN

Another cool addition to my repertoire of tools…

Following last week’s success in finding a new tool to use, I decided to try my hand at finding another. Do you open way too many tabs while using your web browser? Does it make surfing and multi-tasking online a difficult task?

Well, fear not. This handy tool that I’ve found, TooManyTabs, seeks to remedy that! Found on a weidert.com article titled “11 Cool Online Tools You Should Know About,” TooManyTabs is a program that will allow you to view your tabs differently to better maintain them. It also boasts the ability to allow its users to arrange them by domain, title, even creation time!

Hopefully these apps help you as they have me!

If the links above don’t work, here’s their tagline if you aren’t convinced yet:

Ever tried having 20 tabs or more open in Chrome? You can’t even see the favicon of the tabs, not to mention the tab titles! If that happens to you, TooManyTabs is a must-have extension that manages your tabs, reduces your tab overflow, and saves your sanity!

From the makers of TooManyTabs for Firefox, TMT has come to Chrome to help all your tab needs!

Looking for something to aid in your scheduling?

Then try Buffer! I recently found it and I’d like to say that it seems pretty nifty on both a first and second glance! While looking for cool new tools to use, I stumbled upon this one on a list at Inc.com labeled ’10 Essential Online Tools You Should Be Using.’ Starting off, it asks you for a social media account to connect and, optionally, you may choose to add more than one right off the bat. I did, choosing to connect both my twitter handle (@jaaaaamesrives) and Facebook profile to them. Once I’d done that, I was greeted with a page telling me that “You’re a natural!”

Though, I had no doubts about that. Buffer is primarily used as a scheduler that allows you to post things to your other accounts automatically. So say you wanted to post the same thing to both Twitter and Facebook (as all reasonable people do, right?), then all you’d have to do is schedule how often you wanted to share these posts and send them through Buffer. From there, it’ll make your post and any subsequent ones based on when you tell it to.

Here’s a look at what mine looks like:

My Buffer Dashboard

All in all, I’d say that while this tool doesn’t seem like the most important in the shed, it’s definitely a time-saver and just screams convenience. Check it out!

Around the United States in 80 Days???

For this web assignment from the assignment bank I had to create a Pinterest board displaying my dream vacation. For my dream vacation I will be driving, and flying, to all 50 states and visiting the capital building in each state. Therefore, on my Pinterest board I pinned pictures of all of the capital buildings for each state and the capital building in Washington, DC. I would love to take this trip in the future with my fiancé before our wedding, if we can afford it. My cousin and his wife did a similar trip to this but only did the eastern states in the US and said that they wished they could do all 50 states. I thought it was a great idea and they seemed to have a lot of fun so hopefully I will be able to do a trip like this one day.

My Dream Vacation Pinterest board.

The assignment bank’s dream vacation web assignment.

RefME

A useful app for referencing.

Start with a balloon

I have been looking forward to finally picking an assignment from the Web Assignments Bank at ds106. There are a lot of cool digital tools/programs listed – it’s worth taking a look at all of them! This week I decided to take a look at Grant Potter’s assignment, which was to use Twine to create an interactive story.

Twine allows you to build a story whose pages are programmed so that the story is not linear. The interactions can be as simple as links which will take you somewhere else in the story. They can be as complicated as JavaScript programming that, based on your decisions, carries out various actions in the context of a game. You can use Twine online, or you can download Twine into your machine and work locally (which is my preference).

Each page of your story is called a passage, and passages become connected through links. Twine creates a storyboard as you go which looks like this:

Passages can contain text, images, and audio and video files. Passages use a special script to create links and other programming. Here is what one of my passages looks like:

Twine can handle different scripting languages, including HTML and JavaScript. You can build a simple story just using links, or you can jump into the programming, as I did, which has a bit of a learning curve. When you are done building your story, you can export it as an HTML file which can be viewed by any browser. I hosted my HTML file in Google Docs, and then embedded it into my blog in the window below. You can access and download the file itself here, or you can play with it in the window below.

A consistent theme for me throughout this course has been the teaching of physics as a story. Twine seemed like a perfect tool for doing this, and worth the climb up that learning curve. It helped that I have experience with scripting languages like JavaScript. For this assignment, I kept it short and simple, just to test out some of the functionality. Since rockets and space have figured in many of my assignments, I created an introduction to rockets using the simplest rocket; a balloon. The most difficult part was trying to understand how to have interactions that weren’t simple yes/no or right/wrong interactions. It’s so easy with science to fall into right/wrong thinking. Incorrect answers by students need to be taken seriously – sometimes there’s a germ of truth in the incorrectness that needs to be brought out. An incorrect answer may have correct thinking underlying it, and that needs to be acknowledged. Incorrect answers are always opportunities to explore further.

I decided to think of three students, or kinds of students: the “spacey” one who is a dreamer and a bit inattentive; the “fast” student who is impatient and tries to anticipate what’s coming next without fully digesting what has come before; and the “straight” student who follows the directions and usually has correct answers but is afraid to take leaps. My storyboard had decision points that corresponded to each of these student types. No one of the decisions was “wrong,” and following any of the three threads brought different rewards. Overall I kept the tone and voice as “story,” rather than just explanation.

This sample above is just an introduction. I could easily see adding design elements like fonts and colors, diagrams and images, animated GIF’s and sound. I could also continue the story from air-filled balloons to air-launched rockets. I left a hint in the story – see if you can find it.

Tell a “Steller” Story – DS106 Assignment Bank – “Web”

Tell a “Steller” Story in the DS106 Assignment Bank under “Web Assignments” asked me to use the app for iPhone called Steller (warning: it only seems to work on iPhone. I tried it on my iPad and it wouldn’t open for some reason…)

I wanted to challenge myself to use a web based tool that I’ve never used before and man did I challenge myself? I’ve been working on this project now for 3 hours! But I had FUN!!!! I got to look through all my old photos from hiking and camping trips and decide which were my favorites. I needed to pick ones that would tell my “couch to mountains in 5 years story” in the best possible way.

Below is the link: download the app Steller on your iPhone (or you might be able to view it on your computer because I was able to after I downloaded the app in the app store) and check it out. Let me know what you think!

My Story: Transition to Hiking (Couch to Mountains in 5 years)

Tagged: #cudenver15, #ds106, #WebAssignments, #WebAssignments1440

Need plans for the weekend?

Click this link to see my finished project!!

To complete last weeks assignment, I created a web and started looking at places that I wanted to visit in Denver.  This web has grown to epic proportions, as I realize now, there is a lot ot do in Colorado.  I decided this week I wanted to come up with plans for an entire weekend.  This is a great idea for me personally because I know I do not currently have the time to do any sort of extravagant vacations.  But, in the future I would like to visit all of the places I researched.  I used Thrillist, Google maps, Trip Advisor as well as my previously created web to come up with all of these idea’s.  After the frustrations of the website I used last week, I have decided to upload a tutorial to DS106 this week.  If I had a tutorial last week I would have saved myself hours of frustration.

I first printed out 3 maps of area’s in Colorado I wanted to explore and did my research over the course of a few days.  This included countless post it notes, crossing out and asking coworkers what to do in various area’s of the state.  After receiving feedback I decided to start the map.pic1

On the DS106 webpage I found an assignment that had to do with using Google History maps to tell a story.  Well, I live in the present so I decided this will be my goal this week (I am making history right?).  I pic2used Google maps and clicked on the icon on the left to start (my master piece).

The drop down appeared below and you have to click on my maps to get started.

You need to

  • Give your map a title
  • Decide on your layering.
    • “Layers” can mean anything from a day to an entire trip it depends how many “layers” you want.  I chose 3 layers one for each of the days of the trip I was planning (one layer per city I was visiting)
  • Search for places
    • You can type “Denver Zoo” or “breweries” for example

pic3

I added a picture for every location.  I think this is helpful when you know what the place looks like (especially if you are not from the area).  Click on the pencil icon to edit this location. You can edit the name or add a picture in this screen.  Click on the camera icon.

pic4 pic5

Save, and your done with one location.  This is what mine ended up looking like after adding the three days including all of the locations.  I added lines to connect the locations for each day to make it easier to see where I will be traveling.

final 2

 Click this link to see my finished project!!

 

What Is Your Passion Archetype Character Buzzfeed Quiz

Archetype Collage (Buzzfeed quiz cover)

What are your natural aptitudes? Based very loosely off of multiple intelligences. Are you the Artist, the Technologist, the Naturalist, the Performer, the Musician, the Poet, the Athlete, Puzzle Fighter, or the Renaissance Man or Woman?

Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/421860690073254141/
Diana Ziv – http://zivcreative.blogspot.com.au/

A Meaningful Assignment

This week I focused on Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences Theory and Ken Robinson’s The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything. In so many ways this scholarship resonated with chapter seven in the Lankshear and Knobel text as well as my focal theme ‘the importance of creative arts in education.’ I wanted to find a ds106 assignment that could help me synthesize scholarship with ‘new literacies’ application. The literacy dimensions and cultural appreciation in order to craft a Buzzfeed personality quiz that has humor and meaning is really challenging. To create a quiz in this nature, one must use writing skills, logic, artistic, and technical ability. This is exactly why I chose to do this assignment: WebAssignments, WebAssignments1641. I wanted to ‘apply’ multiple intelligences and share this theory with others. I believe understanding and application of this theory as teachers and learners, one can better know oneself or their students. This understanding leads to better study habits or lesson planning and engagement. It’s important to note that as a teacher, this would also mean catering to several different types of learners, thus, why it is important to practice creative arts disciplines through synthesis of core subject curriculums. If you are new to Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences Theory, I suggest watching this brief video here.

After watching the video take a short self assessment test. With the results of the assessment in mind, then take the Buzzfeed quiz. The Buzzfeed quiz is intended to add an extra dimension to the concept of multiple intelligences. In that it suggests you may favor certain roles or archetypical characters. It is this idea of these ‘characters’ that makes the ‘just for fun’ Buzzfeed assessment inspiring. As opposed to Howard Gardner’s classification such as “visual-spatial,” the Buzzfeed quiz suggest you are an artist or a designer. Not just any artistic character, Salvador Dali, was in fact the artifact image I chose to represent artists. I think by using artifacts in this way, it has great meaning to the test takers. Perhaps more meaning than knowing one is ‘logical’ or ‘visual-spatial’? Or for test takers that are unfamiliar with the chosen artifact it gives them an opportunity to click the link for the source image and read about the character represented. All things considered, this assignment for myself, and I hope the test takers, is meaningful and fun. (This is for entertainment purposes but some may still find the quiz inciteful).

Take the Buzzfeed Quiz

Crafting a Buzzfeed quiz

At first, I brushed off the Buzzfeed quiz as something that may be relatively easy to do. I’ve made quizzes before as an instructor, but actually, the dimensions to the Buzzfeed quizzes are far greater than a typical quiz you may give students in a brick and mortar classroom. For instance, every question requires a picture which then needs to be given appropriate credits and linkage. These images as cultural artifacts are intended to have meaning to a vast number of people. So the breadth of cultural knowledge to consider is challenging and then also the choice of one cultural artifact over another. 

Then there’s the questions – witty, meaningful, with a little bit of tact (hopefully not too offensive). Also embedded in each question there are three answers. For each answer, the quiz maker can assign a result and this is the tricky part. The way in which the answers are phrased (biased of course) can mean more or less probability for one result over another. For example:

Q1: I like to paint, draw, or create things.

A1: Yes, Creating art is my life.

A2: No, Art is boring.

A3: Sometimes, When I feel inspired.

If “No” is selected, I can assign that result to ‘logical’ or ‘technical’ based characters as they are, in my mind, the opposite of artistic. This is a stereotype of course but the Buzzfeed quizzes, in my experience, are intended to be funny and rely on these stereotypes. Just like a good comic makes his or her jokes relatable to the audience, they use artifacts that rely on stereotypes – it’s part of humanity and culture. Ultimately, these responses to the 20 total questions created 60 possible answers to sort through. I decided to make equal chances for each character result and after I tested this it was too boring. I tested the offline quiz and had a few friends and family members take it as well. I took the quiz at least 10-15 times and I tried to enter a frame of mind of each character to result in that character. I had to spice up the responses a little to make it more funny to engage the audience.

I added the characters here for amusement. There are 10 different characters so chances are you will only result in a couple. I hope you enjoy the quiz!

The Artist
You might be good at creating compelling imagery, sculpted objects, or motion graphics. You observe the world and interpret it through artistic expression. You thrive in disorder and lack of income.

The Designer

You seek order and perfection in all things man-made. You may practice drawing, CAD, 3D modeling, and building structures… and sometimes you may also practice obsessive compulsive disorder.
The Technologist

You specialize in using technology to your advantage. You may be good at coding and (or) electrical engineering. You have an intimate relationship with your computer(s).

The Naturist
You love nature. You often long to be outdoors. You may enjoy hiking, gardening, and taking care of pets or domestic animals. Baths are optional.

The Performer
You like being in the spotlight. You may like to dance, act, or play and sing music on stage or in front of the camera. Your excellent at ignoring the strange looks in public transit for reenacting all the parts from entire plays.

The Musician
You enjoy listening and (or) creating music. You find meaning and purpose in experiencing life through music and can’t live without it. When lacking inspiration, you may find interesting places to put tattoos and piercings.

The Poet
You relate to the world through words. You may like blogging, writing in a journal, or creating poetry. Your favorite past time may be curling up with a good book or correcting your best friend’s grammar mistakes.

The Athlete
You can’t sit still for more than 10 minutes. You seek physical activities and competition where you can exhibit your athletic tendencies. You were once diagnosed with ADHD and refused to take your meds… then proceeded to literally climb all the walls in your school.

The Puzzle Fighter
You enjoy exercises in logic. You may be good at solving rubiks cubes, Pi, and the mysteries of the universe. You may enjoy studying the molecular structures of various types of cheeses through sniff tests.

The Renaissance Man or Woman
You excel at many things and you find variety stimulating. You thrive when you can use your multiple talents to solve problems. When bored, you may find yourself looking for employment in a completely different profession or applying to graduate school… again.

A Web of Future Fun and Frustration!

After watching the screen cast this week, I realized I need to put more thought into my theme.  As I have previously mentioned in my reflection, I probably should have picked a different theme.  I am having a difficult time “exploring Denver” as I work two jobs and I do not know many people.  Upon searching through the “Web Assignments” I found one called Harness Relationships: Make a Map with Kumu. As soon as I saw this activity I was inspired to create a Denver web.

**By clicking on the various bars I inserted things the bar is known for that I found online.  I also inserted a link directly to the bars website so when I decide to go there I don’t have any research to do.

map

According to the Hawaiin dictionary I viewed, kumu means reason. This definition is applicable to the program I used to create my assignment this week. Kumu is “a toolset designed for dismantling complexity” according to their website. It is a free product that can be used to store data in order to show relationships and identify connections between companies, department, and people, almost anything that a person could think of.  I decided since I do not necessarily have a lot of time to visit places in Denver since I work seven days a week, I could plan out what I can do on my days off.  Finding fun things to do in Denver is a pretty simple task.  I visited web pages such as Thrillist, West Word, Trip Advisor, as well as other sites.

Tips

To start using Kumu, or to understand what it is capable of, I recommend watching this short clip.

map3

 

I still have endless questions after watching this video and I tried to dive deeper in the help menu.  I even googled Kumu videos in attempt to learn a new application.  I did not find much that was helpful.  There was not much that was needed to start your own “spider web.” The best place to start for me personally (for things to do in Denver) was to find the best “beer bars” Denver had to offer.  I compiled a list and began my web.

Downfalls

There is a LONG list that could fill more than one blog about the difficulties of using this product.  It is not easy to create a web.  The names for things are not necessarily intuitive and trying to customize colors, pictures, and general settings takes practice.  I have not mastered (nor have I have up trying) on making this web more user friendly.

I was under the assumption when I began this project that there would be ways to add hyperlinks to the website in a more visually pleasing manor.  Even using pictures required a URL.  I was extremely disappointed that there was no way I found to achieve this task.  I do not think many people use this application in the same fashion as me.  I saw this as an opportunity to organize my thoughts and to remember places that I have read about that in the future I would like to visit.  The intentions of this website were probably based more for the supply and demand of the business world.  I think why can it be both?

I also feel that there was a need to incorporate maps for this tool.  If I was able to upload a background of a map of Denver I would have been able to position the circles for the bars over where they were on the map.  Is this really asking too much? I think certainly not.  Today 48 hours after I started on this project I got an email from Jeff Mohr the CEO of the company of Kumu.  I know this was an automated email but I think it is good customer services to ask how the product is working.  I have decided to forward him my opinions about what could be added to make this project work for me.  Maybe there is some way that I can achieve these things I have searched for.

kumu2

Final Thoughts

I enjoy the practical way that this tool can be used.  I do the documentation for policies and procedures at my job.  There are a lot of step by step guides I create that involve multiple departments in order to complete things.  I know this tool can help me in the future in organizing things for training purposes.  I find this to be especially easy to understand when considering work flows.

UPDATE: I tried for THREE days to figure out how to post this map to my blog to make it as interactive as it is on the KUMU website.  I failed.  I will try again later today when I have more patience.  I put so many descriptions and hyperlinks into this map only to not be able to figure out how to publish it without seeing the dreaded ERROR screen.  I will commit to a fourth day of trying to figure it out.

I have begun a list of things I plan on adding to this.  This is definitely a project in progress.  I plan on adding to it not only this week but in the future as a way to organize places I would like to visit.

to be