Tech Directions - December 2008 - (Page 13)

Powerful Marketing Tool for Communications Students Digital Portfolios By Martin Nikirk nikirmar@wcboe.k12.md.us A DIGITAL portfolio is a powerful marketing tool for young people searching for employment in the communication or interactive media ﬁelds. With a digital portfolio, students can demonstrate their skills at working with software tools, demonstrate appropriate use of materials, explain technical procedures, show an understanding of processes and systems, and present samples of original production work. This article details procedures and formats that students can follow to create an effective digital portfolio. Portfolios that incorporate applicable elements from what I describe here would likely enhance employment prospects for students outside the communication ﬁelds as well. General Portfolio Organization Plan 1 This plan is ideal for a student who is strong in 2D or 3D art or programming. The general portfolio includes: Interface and menu with directions [R] Cover letter or introduction [R] Résumé [R] 2D or 3D work, art or programming [R] Art • Concept art • Characters, programmed or animated • Backgrounds or worlds • World Programming • Sprite and object concepts • Programming structure • Program code • Program code with object demonstration Audio Planning and Processes • Interactivity charts or flow charts [R] • Gantt charts [R] • Scrum reports [R] Teamwork Activities Technical Writing [R] • Ultimate Computer Gamer’s Guide to Hardware [R] • Master design document [R] • Corporate reports, PowerPoint [R] • Published work or newspaper articles [R] • Certificates, awards, and recognition Web page Background There are more than 80 companies that hire for positions that involve simulation design and building, video game development, and interactive media production. Washington County Technical High School’s Advanced Computer Applications, Computer Game Development, and Animation pilot program prepares students for college and for jobs in the computer and video game industry. The program received a Maryland State Department of Education 2006 CTE Award of Excellence. My students and I use Stephen Covey’s Seven Habits of Highly Effective People as the foundation of our team culture. (Covey is an author and former educator who founded the Covey Leadership Center and consults with organizations around the world.) Considering Covey’s advice in Habit Two, “begin with the end in mind,” I would note that building a winning Martin Nikirk is a computer game design and animation teacher, Washington County Technical High School, Hagerstown, MD. He is also a consultant on interactive media curriculum development. www.techdirections.com COMMUNICATIONS 13 http://www.techdirections.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Tech Directions - December 2008

Tech Directions - December 2008 Contents Advertisers Index Technically Speaking Direct from Washington The Report Technology Today Technology’s Past Mastering Computers Digital Portfolios—Powerful Marketing Tool for Communication Students Choosing the Right CC Welding Unit—Student Success Depends on It Think Green—Increasing Awareness of Garbage and Recycling Think Green—Teach Students Smart Ways to Reduce Home Energy Use Go International! Build a Simplified Shortwave Receiver Mooresville Middle School Snags Web Site of the Month Gifts for Geeks More than Fun

Tech Directions - December 2008

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