I had started by putting my reflective notes together with images of the coursework into an electronic document, and spent much time on obtaining a nice layout. But then I realized that every time I added a phrase, the whole layout changed, because images were sent from their current to the next column. I concluded that this would become a nightmare to maintain and therefore decided to give it a more serious try with doing the learning log as an online blog. This would be more flexible with respect to later adaptions and changes. Here are the relevant sections of the correspondence between me and Diana on the topic.
Patricia: Wednesday, 25 January 2012
Hi Diana,
[…]
Just to make sure that I’m not completely off track and have taken your comments on board, I’ll summarize how I thought to make submissions. Please let my know whether you have any objections or see problems arising.
I’d like to send the learning log in pdf-format by e-mail, rather than printing it out and send by post, are you ok with this? I’m attaching the learning log from part 1, project 1 to give you an impression. This one contains thumbnails of everything I did, but in the future I might be more selective when I do many tries on the same problem. Not sure about this, though.
I could then submit by post the complete work for the part as you said, i.e. all the original sketchbooks and loose sheets of paper. But I’m planning to photograph what I’m doing, so I could make the jpg files available as a package for download, instead of sending the original works. I’ll attach some to give an impression. Would that be ok?
For the assignments of each part, have I understood correctly that I would send you everything as jpg files by e-mail? Same for the final assessment from part 5?
I’m still unsure about it all, especially whether the pdf logbook format will be acceptable for degree assessment and whether it’s a good method for me. There are some limitations: I can’t draw a quick sketch in it to illustrate an idea, unless using an electronic tablet. Web links can be integrated, but work only with an active internet connection. Adding information in between later is difficult once the page content with images is laid out – changes may require to redesign all subsequent pages. And it’s really a huge amount of work to put everything from my work notes (thoughts and reflections as I do the exercises) into the page layout, summarizing and rethinking everything, this might become a real time problem. I know that it’s up to me to take the decision, but it’s a difficult one…
Best wishes and thanks for your support,
Patricia
Diana: Sunday, 29 January 2012
Hi Patricia,
Just had a look at your pdf and it looks like you’ve been working hard. The format is fine and laid out well and clear. You are very much on track, well done!
So yes send me the completed work as a pdf as an email, you don’t have to send it in the post if it’s already on the pdf. If some experiments are repetitive you can select a couple which shows your development so it’s fine to leave some things out. However, make sure you include most of your work that shows your progression, especially the different exercises.
If it’s taking too much time to create the pdf just send me the actual sketchbook and learning log (both could be in one book) then email me the jpegs of the final piece/s.
[…]
The main thing is for you to practice your skills rather than worry about getting it on the web. Some people find it easier with technology. So to clear it up:
1-Put the pages of your sketcbook/learning log on a pdf file (if this doesn’t take too long)
2-Submit the learning log/sketchbook as a pdf to my email address.
3-Send jpegs of the final pieces if it’s not already on the pdf.
It’s best to have everything in one place. The pdf does look very good- well done.
One more thing….are you submitting assignment 1 now or do you still have a few more things to do?
Best,
Diana.
Patricia: Sunday, 29 January 2012
Hi Diana,
[…]
Many thanks for your encouraging comments, and also for putting things into perspective! I’ve been worrying a lot about the learning log (still am), and am glad to know there seem to be several options, just need to find out and choose what suits me best. Last week, I’ve been trying out Blogger and WordPress, and am slowly getting somewhere. My main objection against Blogs was the reverse chronological order and the lack of structure, but now I’ve understood how to organize materials into categories and pages, so the reader (and myself) wouldn’t get lost. I think I’ll give it a try and switch to Blog format, it seems to be better at managing the process of continuously adding new materials, while still offering more flexibility to reorganize everything, if I change my mind about the layout. I’ll send a link once it’s set up (or my ‘lost the battle’ message, it depends 😉
[…]
For the sketchbook and materials, I will now concentrate on working for the course and take photographs all along, in addition to writing the learning log, and make sure that my stuff is well organized. Then when I’m done with assignment one, I’ll present an outline of the intended submission (taking on board your comments below) before actually sending, so you might still request changes if necessary, ok?
[…]
Best wishes,
Patricia
Diana: Tuesday, 31 January 2012
Hi,
[…]
Glad you’ve figured technology out and once you get stuck in, it’ll become easier. Just keep me posted on any changes. Don’t forget to enjoy it!
Best,
Diana.
Patricia: Saturday, 4 February 2012
Hi Diana,
I’ve set up a Blog now, the address is http://drawing1.patricia-karsten.de
Overall I’m quite happy with it, just one thing concerns me, it’s related to the reflections. I’ve included material related to project 1 (which you know already) plus new stuff for project 2. The new material isn’t re-worked, it’s my actual learning log which I wrote as I did the exercises, plus photos from the sketchbook. It’s what I wrote for myself – wordy, contains a lot of self-criticism, some repetitions etc. It is more authentic and closer to what actually happened than the summary style reflections I did for project 1. It is also practically more feasible, because it fits into my working style and the time I can currently afford.
But I’m not at all sure whether this more descriptive style will be acceptable for assessment – I’m afraid that I’d be boring people with too much text. If that’s the case, then I would change to a weekly reflection session where I’d just write 5 or 6 main points for each exercise, and leave out the more detailed aspects of actual work struggles. Could you give me some guidance on what would be more appropriate?
Thanks and best wishes,
Patricia
Diana: Sunday, 18 February 2012
Hi Patricia,
Main thing is ‘don’t stress’! It’s really good to be reflective because you are learning a new skill so evaluating yourself is very important. What the learning log asks you to do is be self reflective and know how to improve by realizing your mistakes for the next time. Drawing isn’t easy and practice makes perfect. The main thing is to document how you are learning and what you are learning. It’s also about self discovery of your skills and talents and everyone has a different way of doing this.
Carry on as you are but also try and look and research other artists and how they work- artists that relate to your interests and your work. Get behind their intentions of their work and how they overcome frustrations, sometimes this is done through their art.
Hope this helps and remember to enjoy. Once your first assignment is done, I can advise you for the next.
Best,
Diana.