Frank McCourt Lecture

I attended the Frank McCourt lecture on Thursday, April 10, 2008, at the University Theater.

I wasn't really sure what to expect because I had not read any of Mr. McCourt's book. However, a friend of mine who attended the lecture as well, had read his books and loved each of them.

I enjoyed the stories Mr. McCourt told of teaching public school for the first time and the flying sandwich. It seems that the attitude of students hasn't changed much!!! I appreciated his way of teaching that may have not been the "norm" at the time.

According to my friend who has read Mr. McCourt's books, he grew up in poverty but yet he still pursued his goals and overcame many obstacles in his life.

Desktop Publishing--Communications

"Define the purpose of the product and identify the specified audience."

This standard works hand-in-hand with the "Work in Solving Problems" standard. The specified audience needs to be identified and what exactly you want to convey and then you can decide on the appropriate media to use.

Desktop Publishing--Work in Solving Problems

"Distinguish design requirements as they relate to purposes and audiences including one-surface objects, multiple or bound pages, stationary, book jackets/magazine covers, pamphlets, magazines, brochures and labels."

Different audiences are drawn to different forms of media, and it is important to target the proposed audience with the appropriate type of media.

Desktop Publishing--Information Acquisition

"Demonstrate the ability to import and export elements from one program to another."

Importing and exporting to/from other programs can be challenging at times. However, most software today has the ability to do this if the user knows where to look. When you import and export information to/from other programs, it can improve the efficiency in your work.

Desktop Publishing--Foundations

"Delineate and make necessary adjustments regarding compatibility issues including, but not limited to, digital file formats and cross platform connectivity."

I chose this standard because this is a big problem with users, including myself. There are so many file formats available and some are not compatible with the particular hardware and software that you are using.

Graphic Design and Animation--Communications

"Identify pictorial qualities in a design such as shape and form, space and depth, or pattern and texture to create visual unity and desired effects in design."

With graphic design, it is important to "catch the eye" of the proposed target audience. The above qualities are crucial to that task.

Graphic Design and Animation--Work in Solving Problems

"Use the basic principles of proportion, balance, variety, emphasis, harmony, symmetry, and unity in type, color, size, line thickness, shape and space."

With graphic design, I believe your project needs to flow and in order to do this, you need to give special attention to the items listed above. You don't want your finished product to appear "too gaudy."