DIGITAL STORY Richard M. Cano

Miss Alamo City

We came to UTSA so that I could take some video and pictures and ended up at the Fiesta on the Plaza. We ran into Miss Alamo City who insisted on taking a picture with my daughter for her Facebook page. It turns out that the Ambassador was one of the first to work with David Robinson in taking the first cohort of students in the college prep program from elementary to college.

Mariachi

We had our Fiesta event at our building today. I just missed the Mariachi. They finished playing their last song as I was parking. I did get to say Hi to one of my acquaintances from the group. I was still able to enjoy tacos and coffee, even though I am not a big coffee drinker.

Deja Blue

I am grateful for clean water. There are some places in the world where this is scarce. Without clean water, sickness and disease can affect a person and community. I am glad that we can get this at a store, many times just down the street from where we live.

Easter Sunday

It was a wonderful Easter Sunday. The family got together and had BBQ. It was a nice holiday to enjoy with the family, and the day was a nice break from a rather busy Spring. I hope that it sets the mood for the summer arriving in almost no time flat.

Sea World

I am grateful that summer is right around the corner. We were able to enjoy a day of swimming at Sea World. The weather was great, and the water was refreshing. Since we have year passes, we were able to go into the park, swim, and leave within three hours, spending little money.

Hispanic Elvis

We met up with the self-proclaimed Hispanic Elvis. I've seen him all over town, but he lives on my side of town. I think it's great that he portrays Elvis and keeps true to the role. Everybody says that he is crazy, but I think he is unique. His life is dedicated to greeting people and causing shock and awe. I truly am proud that he is a part of the San Antonio ambiance.

A.C.T.S.

During practice with my group, I saw this coffee cup. I thought it was neat how the artist incorporated San Antonio by using the Spurs and the A.C.T.S. abbreviation. I've seen the A.C.T.S. abbreviation on many things, including bumper stickers and decals, but this is something a little bit more personal, since the owner will be using it to wake up to every morning.

Brick

My wife finally found her brick at Texas A & M San Antonio. The first 5,000 graduates receive it free after their graduation. Her name is Nancy Ledesma. One of her friends is located three bricks below, hence the size of the picture. It's nice for her to be a part of the university's history.

Consideration

I am happy that someone though about putting up this sign. There are people that need a little help doing everyday tasks, such as grocery shopping, that makes their day a lot easier. If that means me having to park further away, that is OK with me. I try to park far away anyway. It takes me more time grocery shopping if I look for a parking than if I just park further away and get in the store. If it makes someone else's day easier, it just makes it more logical to do it this way. I just wish everybody would respect this concept.

CARTOON ANIMATION Richard M. Cano

The New and The Old

https://plotagon.com/6146

Spurs Playoffs

Even though the San Antonio Spurs lost to the Phoenix Suns tonight, they already ended their 2013-2014 season as best in the NBA. That's saying a lot with all the scrutiny that they have every season. They've once again proved that they are one of the best teams in the NBA, in fact the best this season. It says a lot about how much San Antonio values team participation and family. They deserve it, and we at San Antonio deserve to appreciate this team going to the playoffs as the best team in the NBA.

Fiesta 2014

I'm grateful that the city extended Fiesta to two weeks. We are always very busy. We came to Fiesta early this year in case we couldn't make it out later. We always miss Fiesta. Now, we still have some time to make it out to another event.

Disney On Ice

I'm grateful that we've been able to make it out to all of these events since my daughter has been born. We have so many pictures of the magic that Disney creates on this tour. I'm glad that it is as interesting for us as it is for my daughter. And we got pretty good seats this year!

The Tower of the Americas

I'm grateful for the Tower in San Antonio. It makes San Antonio unique. It also brings in a lot of revenue from tourists who come to visit the Tower. It has also signified the San Antonio Spurs amongst other things. It brings great pride to our city, and I am very proud to say that I am from the Alamo city where the Tower resides.

VISUALIZING DATA FOR FOCUS Richard M. Cano

Download from Google Drive: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3_617gZc8z9MFB1ejJ0QTgxczA/edit?usp=sharing

Information Graphic

I think that the best way to go about creating information graphics that show people technological convergence is to shock them by showing old media being used as if it were new media. Having old media used as new media is an instant eye-catcher. In addition, this concept depicts how far digital media has come in changing old media into what it has come to be now in the present. There are many examples that can be converted into this type of information graphic. One idea that comes to mind is of a digital native swiping an old tube television and switching channels as if it were a tablet viewing video. Another idea can be a picture of an adult lounging on a sofa and texting on an old rotary phone. I believe that these images can both show technological convergence while at the same time shock its viewers into realizing how far this convergence has come.

Animated Graphic

There are various types of animated graphics, but I’d like to think of a commercial that can show how fast technological convergence is happening. I believe that a commercial will show that there is a convergence happening and that it has been happening for some time. A commercial is also something that people can relate to, and a commercial is a good way to show people that they need to buy into something. Commercials come in many forms, including comedy, popularity, shock, etc.; I think that comedy can best describe how fast technology is converging. One possibility is to show a person receiving the latest cell phone only to find out moments later that another person has just received a discount on a cell phone that about which there has been rumors. Furthermore, this sort of commercial will make people realize that there are certain products that get upgraded periodically by companies and, therefore, people will realize that convergence is not only for profit by companies but a thing that is furthering technology. I think that showing a commercial is the best way to show technological convergence through an animated graphic to get individuals to think about how fast technological convergence is happening and to get individuals to relate to such changes.

Interactive Graphic

As a web designer, I am an advocate for websites and their power in conveying information. Websites have the ability to show a concept and categorize its aspects in an organized manner. They can also include video, images, animation, and sound. I would use a website to convey a message about technological convergence and its rapid maturity. This website could possibly contain the commercial as well as some information graphic images. It could also contain an interactive timeline of some of the major events in technological convergence. Websites can be an interactive way to portray a message by using video, images, animation, and sound, especially when delivering a message about technological convergence.

Local Music

I went to practice with a buddy of mine who met up with these cats. They're getting together to play a gig at a party. They play local rock music, but with a different feel. I always enjoy meeting new people especially talented musicians from different genres.

Escape Games

, but it helps when thinking critically. This is the same reason that

Every now and then, I bring one of these up to ease my mind while at work. It might seem like a distraction, but this is the same reason that I have a Rubik's cube in my office. It helps me to think of creative ways to solve problems while not getting my mind off of problem solving.

USAA

I'm glad that I have two ATMs, one right in my parking lot and the other across the street. Both of these are with banks that I use. It is very convenient to have an ATM near where you work. It is even more convenient that these are bank that I bank with, since there are no service charges for members.

Hohner Accordion

I purchased this  Hohner accordion on Ebay last week and was pleasantly surprised with how well it was kept. I was grateful when I saw this hand-written note inside. The previous owner was very concerned that I would not be satisfied with the purchase because he neglected to put in the bass section of the accordion because he did not know how to put it in. I am going to send him another note letting him know that I was very satisfied with the purchase, and even more appreciative that he took the time to write me a note. I'm also going to tell him that I can place the bass section in myself, as I have experience fixing accordions, and that his accordion is very much appreciated and will be in good care.

Keyhole Effect

I came across this while on Facebook. This is my cousin and one of her best friends. I thought that it was a great demonstration of the Keyhole Effect used correctly. This image is eye-catching and says a lot about my cousin just through her eyes. I'm glad that I came across this image by happenstance.

Fort Hood

I caught this image looking out of my window this afternoon. If you look closely, you can see the maintenance man lowering the United States flag in morning for the victims at Fort Hood. I am grateful that my family is safe today, and I am also grateful that no more lives were taken from us after the tragic event.

Company Laptop

As I was sitting in my office, I realized that I would be lost without my company laptop. I tend to do everything on it now. Since I'm always working, I do school work and navigate the web at the same time. I'm glad they assigned it to me the first day I started working.

VIDEO CLIP AND LEARNING CONTEXT Richard M. Cano

Technological Convergence

According to wiseGEEK, “Technological convergence is the process by which existing technologies merge into new forms that bring together different types of media and applications.” This video can be used to show how technology has changed things like communication, hardware, and entertainment. Some questions could be asked about technological convergence such as, “What are the driving forces that push technology to advance itself and converge into different forms of technology? What other technological convergence do you see on a daily basis that was not shown in the video?”

This video on technology convergence shows how technology is changing our world and advancing our capabilities. It also shows how people and organizations are changing the way they accomplish things such as advertising. There is, however, an underlying message of which we should be aware, if not wary. This video begins with this message in mind by asking “Are you ready for the future?”

This video forces a discussion about how much convergence is too much convergence. In the video, many niceties are depicted as to technological convergence to the point that the year 2025 doesn’t seem like an impossibility to have nanotechnology implanted within our blood cells. However, this may be pushing it too far. I believe that a great conversation over technological convergence would be to enlighten ourselves as to whether or not this is convergence or simply technology taking over so to speak.

wiseGEEK. What is technological convergence? Retrieved from http://www.wisegeek.org/what-is-technological-convergence.htm

Highways

I am very grateful for the San Antonio highway system. I would not be able to get anywhere without them. I wouldn't be able to get to work if it were not for these highways. I work about 20 miles away from my home, so it is a long commute every morning. Today, I am grateful that they are here. I am not that frustrated with driving them right now.

La Fogata

I was able to have a dinner date with only my wife tonight. I'm grateful that we were able to have this opportunity. We don't get to spend much time together alone, especially since we do everything as a family.

Digital Media of Everyday Life and Education

Here's a documentary by PBS that I found while looking for a video for our Video Clip Learning Context assignment.

http://video.pbs.org/video/1797357384/

Trampoline

My niece came by for an hour of play with my daughter. As you can tell from the picture, they had a lot of fun. I am so grateful that we have the opportunity as parents to have the kids play outside and be active. The weather was great, and I enjoyed the outside as much as they did.

David Robinson

I am very grateful that this man decided to come to San Antonio and play basketball. I'm also grateful that San Antonio decided to wait on him, which I'm sure influenced his attitude to stay here in San Antonio and give back to the community. I saw the first game that he played in and instantly became a Spurs fan for life. I also owe him a debt of gratitude for creating an educational environment that pushes my child to be the best that she can be.

Vertical math

I am grateful that my daughter is actually understanding her math studies. After working with her on a few problems, I gave her this problem. I made a deal with her that if she could solve this problem, she could watch some TV until her mother came home. She solved it correctly and on her own.

RR Lamp

Last night I noticed that my rear right turn signal was out. This turn signal was going out a few weeks back, and I bought these lamps to replace it. Then, the light fixed itself. It was fixed for about three weeks and finally gave out last night. Today, I'm grateful that I bought these lamps so that I wouldn't have to stop anywhere this morning. I was able to fix it in minutes and be off to work.

Graphic Design

I was remembering today how much design work I used to do at my old company. I also remember that I got paid significantly less than I do now. I am not great at drawing at all, but I think I find a way to convert my amateurish drawings into great design work. Doing what I do now is completely different, and I am grateful that I can do what I do now and still have a little time to do some graphic design work.

DIGITAL STORYTELLING OUTLINE Richard M. Cano

Digital Storyline One: Convergence and the Digital Immigrant

The traditional and the digital are coming together in a convergence that impacts everyone. Technology has found a way to make our lives easier by converging itself into traditional forms of accomplishing tasks. Even though technology has made our lives easier, there are still some who struggle with the newer forms of digital media. It is important that we understand this fact and try to realize where we fall short as a society.

One way to depict this convergence is to show how it is happening in the here-and-now. Many people don’t notice how this is happening, and go about their lives using digital media in place of more traditional approaches. Showing these against the more traditional approaches can create a dynamic that will enlighten if not stun viewers. Some examples are traditional phones against cell phones, a billboard versus the new electronic signs, and watching television versus watching online movies.

A good way to demonstrate how this convergence is taking place is to interview a digital immigrant, one who still struggles with the adaptation of digital media. Portraying the struggles that a digital immigrant has with these types of technology will help us to understand how digital media has evolved. It will also help in understanding how digital media looks and feels to a digital immigrant, furthering our understanding of the struggles with the convergence.

Portraying the dynamic between traditional and newer media is a good way to enlighten the audience as to the convergence of these two forms of media; furthermore, interviewing a digital immigrant can help us understand the trouble that comes with this convergence.

Digital Storyline 2: Digital Media and its Significant History

Digital media, since its emergence, has had many significant events that have transformed it into what it has now become. Email was part of a government project that evolved into an everyday use for everybody. The Internet helped email and propelled information into a giant resource of vast knowledge. Google and other search engines found a way to quickly query this information for us to have at their fingertips. Social media has evolved to extend our communities past physical bounds. Digital media has become something grand and needs to be shown as an evolution, with certain events happening in linear time.

Images of technology pertaining to certain historical events can be shown in a linear passage of time, from when media was more separated to the present day, in an attempt to describe the progression of technology against traditional media and their convergence. I believe that email is a great way to start this progression; in addition, showing how the Internet evolved from the basic structure of the Intranet would be a great secondary position. Other developments might include the cell phone that propelled pads, readers, and eventually the computer/pad. Showing technology this way will set up an interview processes with questions developed from the interviewee.

Interviewing a digital native, who might not know of this progression, would decipher areas that need to be explained further so that other digital natives can know how the newer technology has matured. For instance, many digital natives may not know about car phones and how prior to cell phones they would literally be plugged into cars with a cord. They may not know that search engines had not been developed at some point; the web URL had to be entered into the address bar directly in order to reach a website. Similar developments may be unknown to a digital native, and it is important for them to understand that digital technology is every-changing, that what they know today may be completely different in the future.

Showing the developmental progression of digital technology can have an impact on digital natives; digital natives may in turn have questions about its history that they did not know. It is important for these digital natives to understand that, even the technology used today, technology is every-changing and will probably change in the future.

Hershey's

I very rarely eat sweets, and chocolate is even more scarce to me. Today, I decided on having this chocolate bar that I've had sitting on my counter for a while, not sure how long. It kept me up, and gave me some energy during my workday. I am grateful for that, but it might be a while before I have another.

Bluetooth Technology

I am grateful for Bluetooth technology. I use my Bluetooth headset all the time to speak on the phone and to listen to music. Today, I used my Bluetooth adapter to connect my phone into this stereo. Now, I can play YouTube videos while working in the kitchen with my family. It helps to pass the time.

Incredible

We spent the day at Incredible Pizza. We saw this game and we had to immediately play it. It's a Pacman like game where we start off playing air hockey and then about 20 more pucks get introduced. This repeats itself one more time during the game. By the end of the game, we can finally look up at the score. It was a great way to spend time with the family.

My School Bucks

I never realized how useful this My School Bucks app was until I realized that I was watching the history on this app. This app gives me the option of funding my child with lunch money. It also gives me the option of viewing the history of where the money is going. Big deal! It wasn't until I wondered if my daughter was actually eating at school. Everyday, there is a 40 cent deduction when she eats lunch. That is priceless. Knowing she is eating everyday when I can't be there to feed her gives me a sense of relief.

Cheyenne Hot Sauce

So, I cut off the Cheyenne peppers and started fermenting them in vinegar. It'll take a while, but I love cooking from scratch and trying new things. I also like cooking very slowly, so this processes was naturally intriguing to me.

Freeplay Music

A repository of royalty free music.

http://www.freeplaymusic.com/index.aspx

Co-worker

Today, my co-worker became a full-time employee. I'm grateful that he came around to our company. He started as a contractor with many years of experience. We've helped each other a lot. I have been m how things work with our technology and where files are. He has taught me things that every programmer would know with experience, things I haven't had time to learn through my one year of experience.

Texas Rangers

I'm so glad that there is another sport that I can watch while there is nothing else interesting on television to watch. I have the NBA League Pass to watch most games, but the games tonight were not interesting. I picked the winners out-front, and turned on the Texas Rangers. Oh, look, extended play at the bottom of the 10th.

VIDEO SLIDESHOW Richard M. Cano

Scholarship

I am grateful that my wife was able to get this scholarship to go on a trip to Spain with Texas A & M San Antonio. She will be teaching kids in Spain about life in San Antonio, especially about the San Antonio Missions and Mission Espada. She is getting her Master's Degree in early childhood education, so this is a perfect opportunity to study abroad.

Loteria

I am grateful that my wife bought this lottery ticket. It helped us out for just a few bucks. Sure, it could have been more, but we got more money than what it cost. I think we spent it on gas. Still, money well deserved.

Electric Smoker

I am grateful for this electric smoker. I ran out of fire after which someone brought some food that they wanted cooked. So, I turned on this smoker and set the temperature and timer. You can see the temperature, and I don't have to do much to get their food cooked.

Cheyenne Peppers

I am very grateful for nature. I tend to cook from scratch. I've been looking for a place that sells Cheyenne peppers, but have yet to find one in San Antonio. So, I started planting and growing peppers of my own. Pretty soon, these peppers are going to be a spicy hot sauce.

New Project

I am grateful for this new project that we are about to start. Our lead developer came in from Colorado for this project. We had a few meeting and went out to lunch and for a drink. This is the only time that we really get to know each other. More importantly, I am grateful for the fact that I will still have a job for the next 5 months. Also, I'm thankful for my education and skills that help me keep it.

Hohner

I am grateful for my new accordion tuning tool set from Hohner. Hohner is a respectable accordion maker. I used to own a Hohner accordion. This tool set was expensive and the of the best quality. I know this tool set will help me tune accordions in a professional manner.

Texas

I was looking through my pictures and found this picture I took at Two Bros BBQ. It reminded me of why I am so proud of being a Texan. It is said that everything is bigger in Texas, and I believe that this depiction of the Texas flag shows just how real big our pride is in Texas.

Reading Tools

I am so grateful that there are new tools that will teach my daughter to read. She has been learning so fast that I can't keep up with her learning. I am glad that there are these cards with pictures that she can relate with the real world. I don't think I can make time to relate words with real life objects the way that these cards do.

Two Bros BBQ

I'm grateful that every now and then I can come to a place where BBQ is cooked and served to us. I'm usually the cook, and I slow cook BBQ. For it to be smoked for us means that I have that much more time for my family, and they have a playground set. How cool is that?

Basketball

I am grateful that my daughter has somewhere to play basketball. If anything, I am grateful that she knows the difference between sports. I asked her to name a sport, and she said Baseball by looking at the sport. At least she'll know what it consists of to play basketball.

El Musico

I saw this on the restroom door at a Mexican restaurant that we played at tonight. They have a woman in a folklorico dress for the women's restroom. I thought it was pretty creative. It certainly was a lot more entertaining than just having women's and men's labeling.

Walmart

I'm grateful that we have a store that has everything you need in one place. I came to Walmart after work and picked up groceries, some laundry detergent, and even a file tool that I needed. It's great to save time by not having to visit so many places for just one item.

Le Madeline

We stopped by to get some food to go and ended up getting the desert. We couldn't resist. I love their presentation. Le Madeline has great food, and even though we couldn't eat there this time, we love their atmosphere as well.

Packages

I received these packages today. I'm hoping that it will be the start of a new hobby of mine. I went on eBay and purchased an accordion bellows and a tuning kit. I plan on learning how to tune my own accordions. This is not very common amongst accordion plays here in San Antonio. I'm grateful that I finally got started purchasing the materials that I need since I have been trying to do this for years now.

Antique

I'm glad that I took the time to stop and capture this image. I was leaving work and noticed it sitting in the parking lot. There probably aren't many of these around. I don't know a lot about cars, but I know that the owner of this one is probably very proud and knowledgeable about antiques such as this one.

SCREEN STRUCTURE IMAGES Richard M. Cano

Mission Espada

I'm grateful for having so much history in San Antonio. When we came to Mission Espada, we learned so much about San Antonio and its history through this Mission Espada. I'm glad there was a tour guide that devotes his time to this mission and knows all about its history.