The Gong Media

Last Post 2006 - Hibernation

2006-12-04T22:49:00.000+11:00

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

2006-12-02T17:44:00.000+11:00

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

2006-12-02T14:44:00.000+11:00

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

2006-11-15T11:15:00.000+11:00

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?

2006-11-04T14:38:00.000+11:00

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

2006-10-31T17:57:00.000+11:00

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

Elaina's Catwalk With a Difference

2006-10-26T10:05:00.000+10:00

Medievil Disco models liven up the shopper's day in Crown Central (pictured above)

Bright lights, 80's perms and come and get me boots were all part of the Medievil Disco Boutique’s multimedia fashion promotion.

The show was a success! Click and drag, with two drag queens hosting the show in Crown Central; a bit of a shock for Wollongong shoppers!

Clad in eccentric outfits; the “models” danced and sang their way through the show; taking part in childish games like twister, nutbush and musical chairs.

I assisted with styling these extravagant outfits, music compilations and art projections.

The result was lots of fun and a great experience!

Medievil Disco: a vintage boutique with clothing pieces of every era worth remembering - located in Crown Street Mall.

Article and Photography by Elaina

Emma's Talent Recognised!!

2006-10-25T11:30:00.000+10:00

Diploma student, Emma , got the chance to put her journalistic skills into play recently when asked to conduct an interview with Pro Snowboarder, Anthony Leffelaar, on behalf of the high profile shoe and clothing manufacturer VANS.

Emma met Anthony while on holiday in New Zealand:
"Never did I think a holiday full of fun or a TAFE assignment could lead to an amazing journalistic opportunity. Anthony, a good friend of mine, is an inspiration to any one with a dream and I feel privileged to share his career with the world!"
Emma

Check out Emma's article/interview with pro snow boarder Anthony Leffelaar on the Snow.co NZ web site.

Diploma Graduation Progress

2006-10-25T11:22:00.000+10:00

The Graduation Commitee are happy with the progress they are making.

The big day is fast approaching and their preparation is on track for a fantastic day. With just a few adjustments it looks like this years graduation will go down in history as one of the best.

Ann's Bandana Day Press Release Picked Up

2006-10-25T10:35:00.000+10:00

This is what it's all about!..... PROMOTION, PROMOTION, PROMOTION.

Ann has taken the bull by the horns, got out there amongst it and had success.

Ann created the press release (pictured above)and dropped it in to the Advertiser expecting to see a small piece in the back block Community Notices Section.

The Editor at the Advertiser has obviously spotted Ann's penchant for writing media releases and published the full press release on page 16 of this weeks Advertiser.

Well done Ann.

Update on Ann and Jess' Bandana Day Promo

2006-10-23T10:56:00.000+10:00

*** BANDANA DAY APPROACHES FRIDAY OCTOBER 27 ***

We have been busy promoting Bandana day by distributing flyers around campus as well as the train stations, and no telegraph pole is safe. The Bandanna merchandise has arrived; these include pens $2.00 badges $4.00 and Bandannas $3.00

The Cancer Council has given us various pamphlets on different types of cancer to distribute on the day.

Nathan Simpson from the Advertiser has shown an interest in our special day and will run an article on Bandana Day. We have contacted I98 FM to see if we could get a plug on the radio station , but have not heard back from them.

So we hope every one will get behind our cause and support our day.

We will be in the Wollongong TAFE Campus canteen area from 10 am.

Ann Jones Jess Byrnes

Welcome to the World Maeve

2006-10-17T11:46:00.000+10:00

Congratulations must go to Maeve Helen Grace who has made her very first positive contribution to the well being of the planet as we know it by making Ann and Peter deliriously happy with her long anticipated appearance at 6.40 pm on September 12th this year.

Weighing in at a healthy 3.22 kilos and strangely accompanied by a train set, Maeve greeted the world with a "What's all the fuss about?" attitude.

Proud parents Ann and Peter refused to comment on Maeve's immediate plans for the moment, leaving us all to guess as to what surprises she will be springing on us.

Maeve's slightly confused brother, Isaac, had all doubts as to the strength of the bond between himself and Maeve removed when presented with the train set that magically apppeared during the birth; Maeve's silent approval was given with a little knowing smile as Isaac ran off to happily open his new toy, secure in the fallacy that all new additions to the family arrive with a toy.

Upon leaving the hospital to return home with Maeve and his happily exhausted parents, Isaac was overheard saying;"Wasn't that great Mum and Dad. Can we go home and make another one now please? I would really like a trike to carry this train set around in!!!!"

Welcome to the world Maeve. As Spock said "May you live long and prosper."

Ann and Jess' Bandana Day Promotion

2006-09-20T10:44:00.000+10:00

SUPPORT BANDANA DAY OCTOBER 27th 2006

Following approval from ITSA, Campus Administration and Canteen, Jess and Ann are the only ones with authorisation to sell the "Canteen" Bandanas.

They will be selling the Bandanas from a table set up in front of the bookshop in the TAFE canteen area.

On the table will be various information on Bandana Day and its significance, also contact details if people would like further information.

Ann and Jess have been working hard, enlisting the help of family members and friends and have had the support of Certificate IV in Communication and Media.

Pamphlets and information regarding Bandana Day will be distributed around the campus leading up to the day.

Please come along, get some info about Bandana Day, have a chat and especially BUY A BANDANA to support this worthy cause.

Amanda and Melissa Allay Student's Fears

2006-09-16T22:01:00.000+10:00

Amanda and Melissa (l to r standing) Explain UOW Course Options

Diploma students were given a break from classes last Tuesday when they attended an information session at the University of Wollongong.

Organised by Ellen and held in the Faculty of Arts building at the University, students were treated to an informal and informative chat on the myriad of courses available at the UOW in 2007.

The session was hosted by Amanda and Melissa from the UOW. The nervous and tentative; "I don't think I'm ready for this." thoughts of the students was quickly allayed by the friendly and knowledgable hosts.

Many subjects were covered including the application process, eligibility requirements, applying for scholarships, HECS fees as well as which types of course suit various career paths.

Melissa and Amanda were asked many and varied questions with each student's questions answered comprehensively. Nobody was rushed and each student's individual options were explored.

Students were given an information package each and after the session Melissa took us all for a leisurely tour of the University Campus.

On behalf of the students, I would like to thank both Amanda and Melissa for the excellent way in which we were treated. Nothing was too much trouble and their patience was greatly appreciated.

With the students hopefully completing their Diploma this year, Ellen has been working hard behind the scenes interviewing students individually, making sure that all of the Diploma students are aware of which strands they need to complete to attain their Media and Comunication Diploma.

Ellen has also been extremely helpful to the students, offering her support and boosting student's confidence in themselves.

Thanks Amanda, thanks Melissa, thanks Ellen.

How to be a good photographer 101

2006-09-10T20:28:00.000+10:00

1.Take lots of pictures. YES, you need to take lots of pictures because there is a chance that we could shortly be announcing an exciting photo competition open to all Media and Communication students at Illawarra Institute!

It could be well worth your while to send photos that you consider good enough to enter into such a competition to Emma and Jess...........More later!

Cert III Create the "Lifestigating" Wiki

2006-09-09T02:22:00.000+10:00

The Gongmedia spies have been out and about and it can now can be revealed that the Cert III class has been in conference at a secret location where they created their first group Wiki. Using the pseudonym "Lifestigating" a home page has begun to take shape with links to each students own wikipage.

It seems as if the students have taken to this task quite naturally and we can all look forward to some interesting subject matter in the near future. Jo got them all fired up in an exciting morning session with lots of ideas tossed around.

Good luck Cert III. The web is your oyster. Our intrepid photographer was lucky enough to sneak in and get a photo of the class while they weren't looking.

New Arrivals

2006-09-06T10:13:00.000+10:00

We have two new people to help in the ongoing development of our project. Firstly there is Jacqui who has agreed to help with editing and technical stuff. Also joining us is Tracy. Tracy is stepping on to the steep learning curve in the world of blogging - so be kind to her!

Invitation to Cert III

2006-09-05T23:46:00.000+10:00

I am cordially extending an invitation to all Cert III students to become a part of our project. Hopefully Jo Kay and myself will be paying you a visit on Friday morning (Sept 8) to fill the "position vacant" above.

Manage a Communication Project Updates

2006-09-05T23:22:00.000+10:00

Christine is compiling a Foster Care Booklet as a carers resource focusing on crisis care, medium to long term care and the emotions involved in the day to day care of foster children.

Lani and Nicole have been busy filming (ambushing) students in the creation of their video which will hopefully have it's "world premiere" on Graduation Day. After some technical glitches their systems seems to be up and running. Lani and Nicole intend to expand their horizons and get around the other Media and Communication classes to ambush …er…. interview other students so don’t be surprised if they interview you. The questions they will ask you are……… Sorry, I am under threat of death if I reveal those.

Jess and Ann are proceeding smoothly with the intended promotion of Bandana Day at the TAFE. Official permissions are now being sought and advertising designs for posters and flyers are being created by the highly talented duo who are promoting a worthwhile cause that affects many of us.

Jacqui is steaming ahead with her radio documentary. Progress on this can be found from her Wiki link on the sidebar.

Will, Janelle, Sarah and Eve are organising the graduation ceremony for 2006 and have successful negotiated an increase in funding from last year. They are currently also negotiating the appearance of a special “high profile” media type person to give the address.

Emma and Jess are gathering a collection of graphic art and photographs from the students with all invited to contribute. Hopefully some will be sold and the proceeds will be added to Jess and Ann’s Bandana day fundraiser.

Alysha and Gerry are forging ahead with their wikispace debate on being single vs not being single developing. The catchy name of this is – “Massdebate” – I’m not saying any more except that they welcome contributions to the debate.

CERT IV joins in the project

2006-09-05T23:13:00.000+10:00

WELCOME ABOARD CERT IV
I had the pleasure of dropping in on the Cert IV class to promote The Gong Media blog. The promotion of the concept was not difficult.As you can see from the photo the whole class is excited about the prospect of contributing so it looks as if there will shortly be a link to a Cert IV blog added to this page. We even managed to get a "team photo" organised. Michelle has kindly "volunteered" to act as liaison and is your contact person. Remember, this will become your inheritance in 2007. Have fun and we want to see lots of comments. We all own it and hopefully it will become a showpiece for our course.

First Post

2006-08-16T10:29:00.000+10:00

Welcome to our new blog!

We are a group of students studying the Diploma in Communication and Media at the Wollongong Campus of Illawarra TAFE.

Our Purpose:

To have fun.... and in doing so 'profile and promote' the course to and within the wider community by means of managing a project/event... and thereby encouraging future enrolment.... and in doing so create an unforgettable learning experience for all.