These are posts that show LeMasney Consulting’s experiences with contemporary technology, services, innovations and computers of many kinds.
Abstract: In this session, Suzanne Carbonaro and John LeMasney go over the basics of Smart Technologies’ Smartboards, followed by several hands on pedagogical approaches for classroom use.
Venue: Rider University. Memorial Hall 205, 6-8 pm.
Presentation: http://docs.google.com/present/edit?id=0Ad-YsRMv5bPqZGNrZm05ZndfMjc5ZDRzMmc1Zm0&hl=en
Venue: Ewing Computer Learning Center
Abstract: In this presentation, I will present the broad concepts shared in various social networks, how they can be used, why they should be used, and some concerns that people have with them.
Presentation: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1MGHy2cSujK3xqMHjjPxv9TTLW6mi1Nb8wbOcVx-gQg8/edit?usp=sharing
Press release: “”“An Introduction to Today’s Social Networking”
Computer Program to Explore
Facebook, Twitter, etc. June 1st
Today hundreds of million of people take advantage of ‘Social Networking’ websites through which they share information on a variety of topics and interests as varied as our society and human history,” says John LeMasney, Manager of Technology Training at Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ. “Some people, however, find the concept of ‘social networking’ to be confusing, pointless, and a waste of time. I want to explain why it does not have to be.” LeMasney will explore some of the most popular social networking websites in a program entitled “An Introduction to Today’s Social Networking”. “There are literally hundreds of online communities one can join, each with their own culture and purpose,” says LeMasney. “During my program, I will demonstrate how one can use popular websites such as Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, LinkedIn and WordPress. I plan to highlight their key features, advantages, and disadvantages, as well as how to use them safely.” As Manager of Technology Training at Rider University since 1998, LeMasney assists faculty, staff and students in integrating technology into their work, classroom, and extracurricular activities. A Fine Arts graduate of the University of Arts in Philadelphia, he recently received a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership with distinction from Rider University. He holds LPI Level One Certification in Linux Administration and chairs the Ewing Web Committee. A self-proclaimed “open web advocate and open source evangelist,” LeMasney is also a designer, artist, writer, technologist and consultant who lives and works in the Ewing area. You can find and connect with John, known as “lemasney” on Facebook, Twitter, and Gmail.
Date: Thursday, May 20th, 2010
Venue: Rider University Science and Technology Building.
Abstract: This session will introduce attendees to four of the most popular social networks, illustrating how specific features of each can be used to directly support academic goals. Using examples from Rider and other institutions, the audience will see how academics can use LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Ning in support of curricular, co-curricular, recruitment, publicity, and community outreach purposes. We will discuss why social networks exist as well as the pitfalls, benefits, and usage best practices. Attendees will have the opportunity to create one or more social network accounts and be given guidance on how to start using them for some specific academic purpose.
Presentation: http://docs.google.com/present/edit?id=0Ad-YsRMv5bPqZGNrZm05ZndfNDg1Z3dkcDc3cnQ&hl=en
I started making these calligraphic lines many years ago as a way of making shorthand notes on movement while watching a video of ballet. As the dancers turned and spun in the air, being thrown and jumping, I’d record the motion with a pen on a page.
It turned into a primary form of my mark-making ever since that first moment. I have thoroughly enjoyed moving from analog mark-making on paper and canvas to the digital canvas. Inkscape has been a beautiful analogue for that process. The things that I learned in one have definitely influenced the other, and I feel privileged to be among those who had a foot in each pool (digital and analog mark-making).
I never get tired of making things glow, shine, have depth, reflect, or stand out in Inkscape. In this case, I took my Wacom tablet, and with the calligraphy tool, I made the key 3 marks you see. Then I duplicated, applied a yellow, and applied a blur to the duplicate, sending it behind the first marks. I added a deep red background, and to create some depth I made a pill shape and used the spray paint tool set to single path to create the texture.
Have you ever practiced making marks on a page? Do you doodle in corners? How would you like to see the ways in which you could turn those marks into art using tools like Inkscape and the GIMP? Contact me at 6095539498, or john@lemasney.com to see how you could get started!
If you know me, really at any level, you know how important design is to me. You know that I feel like it surrounds us, a physio-visio-spatial fabric that helps to define a space, a culture or a community. I would also say that once you are past the idea that it requires magic or some gift of birth, you understand that you can do it too, given the right tools. Many of the designers I know who are asked to design each day are flummoxed not by the blank page, but because they are using Word or Publisher or PowerPoint to design, and for no other reason other than familiarity.
Let’s stop that where we see it, okay? Inkscape is one answer, but others exist. Oh, there’s one other requirement for design: You have to love it. You have to have a passion for having the right outcomes. You have to care about it. Otherwise, it will just be text and pictures on a page. You need to be able to be inspired by sites like and even if you feel like your work doesn’t belong there.
The desire to help people learn is the key skill in being a great trainer. Legitimacy, transparency, and patience are definitely important too. My experience has been that getting past the fear of one’s own designs is really about getting your designs in front of the eyes of others, gaining feedback, improving, and growing. This project has really helped me to do that!
Hope you enjoyed today’s sketch!
Event: New Jersey Library Association 2010 Conference
Date: April 28th, 2010
Venue: Long Branch, NJ
Discussion:
Abstract: This session will introduce and demonstrate five useful techniques using open source technologies that you can use to manipulate, improve, clean, brighten, clarify, and positively enhance your digital photography. Participants are encouraged to bring a laptop with Windows, Mac or Linux so that they can start playing right away. Digital photography enthusiasts, novices, and professionals are all welcome to attend and add to the discussion.
Presentation: http://docs.google.com/present/edit?id=0Ad-YsRMv5bPqZGNrZm05ZndfMzUzZm05bnp6Z3g&hl=en
Commentary and notes:
