College Websites: Oh boy!

I do not own the rights to this: found on google.com

So, when I go to look at my school's website, I have to navigate through multiple circles, speed bumps and that sudden "Stop" sign that's been covered by a tree branch. However, this is probably a typical view on university websites. When I was transferring from Lasell College, I was visiting websites in search of downloadable applications, since I prefer paper applications over generic on-line ones, and I found myself having to "Yield" and check the MPH I was skimming the websites. I would actually agree-- with figure 2.2 provided by Chapter 2: "Analyzing Multimodal Projects"-- that university websites are at times, weak at providing students and prospective students the direct services needed. For example, surfing through the Fairfield University website, I cannot easily access a list of majors and the classes needed for that academic concentration. Instead, I will find news about Fairfield successes, which are definitely relevant to me, as they give the institution rigor, but the reality is that I have a need as a student that's being hindered by the image that the web-host provider is "selling" to parents, sponsors, and the alumni that fund the institution. With this said, I believe that the university has tactfully designed their website for a specific audience, which happen to be the ones that can provide the financial stability to effectively run a private institution. This is not bad, it maintains the institution funded, and provides a place for students to express themselves, at the cost of a navigational "hide-and-seek" game. 

taken from http://www.berkeley.edu

What's the front page like? 

Screenshot from http://www.berkeley.edu

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According to figure 2.2, the University of California at Berkeley has: 

• Full name of school
• Alumni in the news
• Promotion for campus events
• Press releases (in the form of a blog) 
• Statement of School Philosophy (on the right hand side photo and a deeper understanding on the tab to the left)

but it does not have: 

• Campus photo slideshow
• Letter from the president 
• and a visual tour

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Although the UC Berkeley website does not include all the "generics" from figure 2.2, it does include these outstanding perks: 

• One main image that does not constantly change 
• A bold statement that exhibits a sense of rigor and academic pride
• A diverse amount of information 
• Tabs that are easy to navigate 
• A direct link to the "directory" 
• Strong use of color that will translate well to an iPad, cellphone, kindle, etc. 
• and all these fabulous social media tools: 

             

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So what's the purpose?

The answer is simple, this website is a direct outlet for prospective students and the current students. It's so brief that one will not waste time looking around. The use of color, visuals, texts, links and tabs is user friendly, preventing a significant technological divide. 

Chapter 1: What are Multimodal Projects

Hmmm... 

There is a definite difference in the word "multimodal" and "multimedia". For example, when a piece is "multimodal", it means that there were more than one effects (of communication) playing: a photograph (visual) with moving words (text). To distribute this piece, one could use multimedia by creating a video that goes well with the photo and words. The multimedia is more dependent on the person creating the piece, rather than the multimodal piece which is more dependent of the appearance and what it invokes on the given audience. However, this does not mean that "multimodal" and "multimedia" cannot exist together. They are, in fact, independent and interdependent of each other.

Linguistic Mode: 

The word choice in the statement released by the White House is very particular, as the release uses the phrase, "people of Japan", as opposed to, "Japanese". This word choice is due to the organization of the statement. To avoid repetition, the statement precedes by using the phrase, "Japanese friends". This pairing of word choice and organization equate to a coherent message from the White House, where the U.S. reads as genuinely concerned with the events occurring in Japan. Another instance where the statement demonstrates intentional language is through the organization of events: briefing the President on developments and responses, which is directly followed by the President taking action that stands in solidarity with those in Japan. 

Visual Mode:

Analyzing Cheryl E. Ball and Kristin Arola’s twitter, I am drawn to Ball’s more than Arola’s because the colors in Ball’s have a very nice contrast. In addition to this, Arola’s twitter colors are very light and playful, but she has no photo, instead, it is an icon of a panda. In my perspective, Ball’s twitter allows me to automatically connect because I see a face picture. Another important visual is that the dark background allows me to better focus on the tweets and retweets of Ball’s page, but the lighter background in Arola’s does not allow such an easy navigation of the content. I think that a twitter page can give perspective into the personalities of the person behind the screen, especially with the types of pictures tweeted. For example, I would assume that Ball is a serious academic, as the pictures to the left appear to be of conferences/academic spaces. I Arola’s twitter, however, the pictures appear to be comical, hinting a more nonchalant personality. 

Aural Mode: 

The music used in this piece is in the least of words, creative. The use of color allows the eye to follow the story of the green circle and the different things that it can become. As a result, elements on the page are highlighted in relation to others (i.e.: the green circle and the teacher/artist. The tone of the voice is soft without too much silence. I think that the volume of the song may be a bit too high, but it is effective. If the song were changed to a different genre like country music, then the piece would change, as it would most likely be highlighting country music more than open creativity. 

Spatial Mode: 

The Fairfield University webpage uses a well thought out arrangement. For example, the rotating slideshow represents a good use of the space, but there are only 3 photographs being rotated, which may not necessarily take full advantage of the space. However, the person who designed the page was very strategic in sticking to a strict color scheme, whiz is representative of the university, showing consistency and a level of professionalism. The tabs above appear easy to navigate and aesthetically appealing. The two boxes to the right of the webpage highlight important information to two different audiences: prospective students (i.e.: Come for a Campus Visit), and enrolled students (i.e.: my.fairfield mobile box). Below is the "University News" and "Events" list which is smaller, but still important, as they link to other institutional portals. 

Gestural Mode: 

As I was watching, "The President and Vice President Speak on Preventing Sexual Assault" video, I noticed that the VP used his right hand for hand gestures. However, the President continually used both hands. Both hand gestures were effective. I did notice that the President used the "ball" trick, which is a public speaking gem where one pretends to be holding a ball in the hand (i.e.: yoga ball, pebble, basketball). Because the video is televised, it only shows from the head to the chest, but the facial expressions seem serious and professional, which should be expected from the President.