Last Post 2006 - Hibernation

The Last Post For 2006 Is Written - Photo by Daniel

Yep; sadly this is the last post for The Gong Media blog 2006. The blog will now hibernate until early February 2007 when the new Editor will take over.

Since August the production of this blog has personally been a huge scary learning curve which quickly became an enjoyable experience.

I am sure that I speak on behalf of the rest of the Diploma students in thanking all who have helped us to attain our Diplomas - Dept. Head Ellen (left) and members of her staff (pictured below) Penny, Lyn, Gary, Dragica, Geoff and Peter. The "extra yards" that all of you have put in for us is very much appreciated.


I feel that we have all obtained the objective described in "Our Purpose" written at the top of the blog. It is rumoured that the Media and Communication Dept has been noticed to have done well with the extremely limited resources that were available in 2006 and that there will be more "tools" made available for 2007.

I would also like to thank all of my fellow students for their contributions.

Many personal thanks to the TLRU unit staff and especially the legendary computer geek Jo Kay who introduced me to Web 2.0 and the wonderful world of e-communication.

Not to forget Cindy and the friendly staff at the ITSA canteen and coffee shop who thtopped me from thtarving. The book shop staff as well.

Hopefully this blog can develop into the hub of communication between teachers and students (including ex students) in the Media and Communication section of Wollongong TAFE. Expansion with contact to other TAFEs is an achievable ambition so if you are at another TAFE and read this don't be a stranger. Let us know you are there.

The best thing about this communication tool is that all of this stuff here is not locked away in a dusty cupboard never to see the light of day. It is all here for all of you to use and share. It is not the property of the Editor. It belongs to all of you!! Please take ownership of it.

Parting words? TAFE's great mate! Wish you were here.

Happy Christmas to all of you and good luck to the next Editor.

Article by Micael

Graduation Day Photos Now Available

Graduation Day Organisers (clockwise) Will, Janelle, Eve and Sarah

Congratulations are in order to Media and Communication Diploma students Sarah, Eve, Janelle and Will for the excellent work they did in creating a wonderful day for all that attended our final “Graduation Day” held at the ITSA function centre on Friday, December 1st 2006.

As promised, the photos from the day have been uploaded and there are a lot of them.

For pics of all students receiving their Certifcates from the Dean as well as class photos click on this sentence. There are also some photos of proceedings here as well.

For Parts 1 and 2 of the events of the day click on this sentence.

For part 3 of the events of the day including group photos of the teachers ( I prefer "mentors") click on this sentence.

Photos can be viewed as a slideshow from these links.

Will and Eve thank inspirational guest speaker Amy Taylor

I have endeavoured to get a photo of every single person that attended on the day. After all, these are the people that love and support us, aren't they? So why should they miss out!

Photos have been uploaded to Flickr and I thank them. Hopefully the powers that be may be kind enough to open a Fickr account next year so that all "The Gong Media" blog photos can be found in the same location.

Feel free to download any of the photos. Creative commons recognition would be appreciated if you publish them.

Article and photographs by Micael

Photo Competition Extended

Emma (left) and Jess (on scren) networking the photo competition.

I understand that it is disappointing but due to unforeseen circumstances the closing date for the digital photo competition has been moved back and entries will now be taken up until Wednesday, 28th February 2007.

The winner will be announced two weeks later on this page on Wednesday 14th March 2007.

Remember to take lots of photos and that you can enter up to five photos. The ideal size is suggested as 800 pixels or less along the longest side.

It is confirmed that the first prize is a digital camera. It is my opinion that the recognition is worth more.

The photos will be judged by a professional photographer.

Don’t be afraid! Enter your photos. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

E-mail your photos to Emma and Jess at projectmediart@hotmail.com.

For for more information click on the Project Media Art link.

The CEEW Experience

The CEEW Class (front) with Will, Tracy and Dept Head Ellen (center)

Recently, Micael, Will and Tracy from the Diploma in Communication and Media were given the opportunity to interview C.E.E.W students and catch up on what they have been doing this semester.
The interview, which was only supposed to be a fifteen minute window between classes, turned out to be an hour long forum where students (C.E.E.W & Dip) shared information about their experiences in TAFE.
The C.E.E.W students were very generous with sharing information about their final touches to projects that they are putting together. These two projects; the C.E.E.W Magazine and a PowerPoint about C.E.E.W will be showcased at the Graduation.
IF you can get your hands on a C.E.E.W Magazine on the day you will be amazed at the work that has gone into its production.
CEEW and Diploma Students Enjoy Sharing Information

The Diploma Students would like to thank the C.E.E.W students for the wonderful hour long experience that they shared together.
Article by Tracy
Photographs by Micael

Hey Gong Media Team Members - Tell me what you think?

I'm going to start this post by saying congratulations!



Each and every time I visit your team blog, I am impressed by the work that you are all doing. Both the individual and team posts have been fantastic and I am amazed at the things you have achieved.

The work on the Wikispaces is also well done - keep up the good work! I am looking forward to the coming weeks and seeing the rest of your projects coming to fruition!

A special shout-out must also go to Micael and the blog team who have done a great job of getting their head around some new and challenging tools. You've created a great space to share and learn about what's happening in Communications at Wollongong campus here on the Gong Media Blog and I am very proud of you all!

Now.. I want to ask for your opinion! ;-)

Many many weeks ago, I spent some time with your class, and you began the process of using social software to communicate online. Some of you are using Myspace, others Wikispaces or Blogger - but you have all become online publishers in some way.

I want to know what you think about the process.

• Have you enjoyed sharing your work with others online?
  
• How has it impacted on your work as a team?
  
• How has it impacted on your work as an individual?
• What was your favourite tool?
  
• Will you use these online spaces in the future?
• How do you think these new forms of communication will impact on you in your work and personal life in the future?
  

You can leave your comments here on the blog, or if you prefer you are welcome to email them to me at joannamkay@gmail.com.

Culmination of Jess and Ann's Promotion

TAFE student Brenda (left) purchases a Bandanna from Jess and Ann

Jess and I would like to thank everyone who came along and supported our recent Bandanna Day promotion.

A great deal of interest was shown in our display on the different forms of cancer and we were kept busy with a constant flow of enquires regarding Bandanna day.

We would like to thank the following people; Amanda Blohm - Can Teen, Amanda Hall - ITSA, Tim Box - ITSA, Sharon Bilboe - Campus Administration, Val and the girls in the print shop and Nathan Simpson – The Advertiser for making our day a success.

Special thanks to young Blake who excelled in his role as gopher.

We hope that that the money raised on the day helps in some small way.

Article by Ann - Photograph by Micael

Congratulations Jess and Ann!
All targets in this project were well timed and executed. The lead up planning was thorough, advertising was well planned, flyers were excellent and the stall looked fantastic!! ...Ed