Brian Thacker, site admininstrator

During my off time during the past few weeks I created a new look for MusicTech@UNCG and Courses@MusicTech. I found a really interesting piece of software call Artisteer, that aids in the creation of themes for WordPress, HTML Templates, and other content management systems.

After playing around with a few different designs, I settled on one that was easily recreated in the Moodle LMS (Learning Management System) to create a consistant look on my website. While I used Artisteer to help design the website for the NC Trombone Festival the templates it creates for HTML projects are not easily edited in the version of Dreamweaver I am currently using. Since I am a big fan of WordPress, for which this software was initially designed, this is not a detraction for me. In fact, after using this software I converted my band and project studio websites over to WordPress from iWeb which allows for much easier maintaning of those sites.

With the changes in copying policies due to the budget, I ask that you please review the policies located at http://musictech.uncg.edu/uncg/itc/. I will be more than happy to help you create content for use in your courses and on Blackboard, but with the upcoming increase in demand for PDFs and recordings, the formats and turn around times are especially important. Since I have a sheet fed scanner, I cannot scan media such as books and journals unless they have been copied to 8 1/2″ x 11″ paper first, preferrably doubled-sided to save paper. Photos are not a problem, as long as they do not excced the above size. Thank you.

Brian Thacker

• Increase knowledge of my current audio software and hardware
• Create either a new composition or performance recording each week
• Document the process to create new tutorials for this site and future courses

While I have been using my software for several versions, I have never delved into it’s depths, and after paying for so many upgrades, it’s about time I get my monies worth. Since this is a Friday, to start this project off I’m posting a tune I wrote a few years ago that I’ve recently updated.

I will be out of the office for at least the next two weeks and possibly three for the upcoming birth of our (Hope & I) son. I have made arrangements to come in twice a week for half days to try and keep up with any requests you may have for the fall semester. I will also make individual appointments as necessary for either consultation or training purposes. In the past, I have always done work on a “submitted” basis, but due to the circumstances, I ask that you please give a time frame for the use of any material that you need prepared for Blackboard. In other words, if you need it for the first two weeks of class, please let me know and I will get to that first. If it is material that will be used later in the semester, I will get to it in a timely manner.

There should be a file drop on my door in the near future so you may leave any PDF requests in that instead of handing them to the office (no mailbox anymore). Thanks for your understanding and patience.

Brian Thacker

The listing of tips will now be found on the Tutorials page underneath the Technology tab.

-ORIGINAL POST-

Recently added to MusicTech is a listing of tips for Blackboard at UNCG. Some of these tips may work with slight changes at other institutions. They can be found on the UNCG tab of this site.