Session 7 (10th December)

This flow chart for my project tells me what I will do each month in order the finish my project on time.

Session 6 (6th December)

Users and processing requirements

For my project, I would need to collect information from people that come from different places. I will need to collect information from people because I need to know what tourists want to know before they come to HK. I will need to go outside and ask people at tourist spots, to gather information for the interactive website I am going to create.

Justification of an ICT solution

I should also try and arrange a conference with somebody that is knowledgeable about the HK culture and can give me some tips for the creation of my website. On the other hand, it is also essential to make an interview with the person, so I can give proof of the information I have collected is actually correct. I could probably ask some of my IT graduated cousins, as they should be fairly knowledgeable about creating a good website and making interviews with people.

The person will need to know about basic website creating skills, such as linking tabs and creating hyperlinks. He will need to help me with these skills, and I will also need to consider whether I should open a new window or keep it in the same window for different links.
The people who view my website will need to know basic computer operating skills, such as opening hyperlinks etc.

Session 5 (26th November)

- Ngong Ping 360 is the new cableway that runs from Tung Chung to th Ngong Ping themed village. From there, you can enjoy a great view from the transparent floors in the cable car. The cable cars are designed from the country flags in the world, which emblemizes Hong Kong being a part of the international world.

- Hong Kong Disneyland is the only Disneyland in Asia at the moment, although it quite small in size, in the near future it will be expanded by more than half the size, which includes two brand new themed areas. It has many chinese aspects, traditional chinese cuisine are available in the restaurants and Mickey and friends dress in spectacular chinese clothing.

- Ocean Park is a great amusement park which describes Hong Kong as whole. It gives children the chance to learn about their environment and many animals that are in the world. Ocean Park is built in two sections, one at the base of the mountain and another part on the mountain including over 50 thrill rides. Tourists can take the longest and oldest cableway in Hong Kong from the base to the top of the mountain. Rides are being made slowly, and there will be a hotel made at the mountainsides of the cableway. Newly built for ease of access for tourists to the top of the mountain, you can have a choice to ride the Ocean Express, which takes you up to the mountain while viewing the wonderful LCD screens showing sealife.

- Victoria Harbour is the icon of Hong Kong, showing the busy harbour of Hong Kong with tradtional junks to massive 5 star cruiseliners going past daily. At night, it becomes a spectacular night show, as Hong Kong is famous for its beautiful lightings from each of the buildings. Ocassional light shows occur at the seafront of Tsim Sha Tsui or Central.

Session 4 (24th November)

Continuing on from the last blog entry, I have gathered more information about what tourists expect as they come to Hong Kong.

Tourist attractions

The main attractions in Hong Kong are,

- The Peak, tourists can enjoy a breathtaking experience as they view the panoramic view of Victoria Harbour and the spectacular skyscrapers. The Galleria is a very modern mall located steps away from the tramway. There is also a very well made walking path back down to Central, where you can take some great pictures and enjoy the view from the trail. Another way to get back down is to take the traditional peak tram, which is the symbolic icon of the Peak.

- Big Buddha, located at the Ngong Ping plateau, which is the world's tallest, outdoor seated bronze buddha. The majestic figure of the seated Buddha is 34 metres high, was cast in China and took over 10 years to complete. Weighing 250 tonnes, it was unveiled in 1993 amid deeply religious ceremonies. Visitors can climb the 268 steps to reach the platform where the Buddha is seated.Po Lin monastery

The Po Lin Monastery is set amid spectacular mountain scenery on the 520-metre high Ngong Ping plateau. Besides admiring the massive statue there is also much to see and do at the monastery itself with its various figures of gods and other colourful manifestations of aspects of the Buddhist religion. You can even enjoy a vegetarian lunch prepared by monks. From Po Lin Monastery it's a short walk to the culturally themed village of Ngong Ping, where you can enjoy a variety of attractions as well as indulge in a bit of shopping and dining.

- Ngong Ping 360 is the new cableway that runs from Tung Chung to th Ngong Ping themed village. From there, you can enjoy a great view from the transparent floors in the cable car. The cable cars are designed from the country flags in the world, which emblemizes Hong Kong being a part of the international world.

- Hong Kong Disneyland is the only Disneyland in Asia at the moment, although it quite small in size, in the near future it will be expanded by more than half the size, which includes two brand new themed areas. It has many chinese aspects, traditional chinese cuisine are available in the restaurants and Mickey and friends dress in spectacular chinese clothing.

- Ocean Park is a great amusement park which describes Hong Kong as whole. It gives children the chance to learn about their environment and many animals that are in the world. Ocean Park is built in two sections, one at the base of the mountain and another part on the mountain including over 50 thrill rides. Tourists can take the longest and oldest cableway in Hong Kong from the base to the top of the mountain. Rides are being made slowly, and there will be a hotel made at the mountainsides of the cableway. Newly built for ease of access for tourists to the top of the mountain, you can have a choice to ride the Ocean Express, which takes you up to the mountain while viewing the wonderful LCD screens showing sealife.

- Victoria Harbour is the icon of Hong Kong, showing the busy harbour of Hong Kong with tradtional junks to massive 5 star cruiseliners going past daily. At night, it becomes a spectacular night show, as Hong Kong is famous for its beautiful lightings from each of the buildings. Ocassional light shows occur at the seafront of Tsim Sha Tsui or Central.

Session 3 (29th October)

I have decided to put the following pieces of information on my interactive website:

Accommodation:

- Hotel choices, suggested choices

-  Prices for staterooms, including appropriate priced rooms

- What kind of services available, resort or just a reasonable stay-in hotel

- Facilities, Fitness Centre, Sports courts, swimming pools, spa treatments, massages etc.

- Food available at designated hotels, suitable for foreigners who enjoy trying different types of cuisine

Transportation:

- Costs of the different transportation available

- Choice of taxis, buses, MTR, tram, ferry

- Recommended transportation, cheap prices and can give tourists a good time in Hong Kong

(Continued)

Session 2 (27th October 2009)

With the guidance from Mr. Lewis, I have chosen my final project out of my three ideas. I have decided to produce an interactive website for tourists that visit Hong Kong. I have chosen this because a website is simple to produce, and there is a wide range of software available to choose from. I have also a good understanding of the Hong Kong culture, therefore I can produce a information packed website with ease. I will also have to go outside to tourist destinations to give interviews to foreign tourists, this will help me collect information useful for my project (places such as well known shopping areas, Ngong Ping, Big Buddha, Tsing Ma Bridge etc.) Additionally, I need to read information off useful websites to collect information on the software I will use. I will need to master using my chosen software, and to be able to produce a quality project.

On the other hand, I may have to interview different people according to there age etc. Interviewing a variety of people makes my results more reliable (elderly, students, businessmen). It would be a good idea to create an online survey and to send it to friends and family members. Collecting the data on graphs, I will create my website using the advice I have been given by people in Hong Kong. 

Session 1 (13th October 2009)

During the first lesson of ICT, Mr Lewis has guided us through the IEA Diploma. We have been given a choice of our own project for this course, but it is essential to use ICT during the making process. This course lasts for around one and a half years, until the middle of Year 11.

We were told to think of three project ideas, and to finish them for homework. Altogether, we need to write up 900 words. I found making an interactive website for tourism was quite interesting and exciting, and it is quite a challenge to include enough information for tourists. A game was an even bigger challenge for me, as I have very little knowledge about game creation.

Idea 1:

My first idea is creating an interactive website on a specific tourist destination. This may include Hong Kong, Japan, New York, and London etc. I will try to use a number of website creating software, most likely well known software such as Adobe Dreamweaver. In the website, I will give important information about the tourist destination, going in depth of what a tourist would expect when they get there. Using buttons to link to specific areas tourists want to know (Food, Accommodation, etc.). In addition, I might include a range of different ways to advertise the tourist destination. This includes media posters, short videos of what you expect, and brochures advertising the destination. My website may link to appropriate sites that give information on holiday preparations, such as flight information sites, accommodation (hotel) sites, attraction sites and so on. My aim is to get adults aged 20 or above to read the website, and so they can be able to plan holiday using it. Another aim is to explain in full detail about the destination, including pictures and relevant maps to guide their way during their holiday.

This project is possible for me to finish, and it is interesting to produce. Since I have quite a clear understanding of very unique cities in the world, this project is really enjoyable and interesting for me. I will use the skills I have used during my previous website productions to create a much improved website production. I will attempt to use image editing software (Photoshop), to enhance the quality of the interactive website. It may be a good idea to ask for help to people that are familiar with website making. Searching online for solutions may also do the trick.

I will research on information about making a good website, and I will try to use all my ICT knowledge on this project.

 

Idea 2:

My second idea is creating a computer game. In order to create a computer game that is playable and not too hard to produce, I must read some advice on the internet. I should always start with very basic and simple games, such as space invaders, pacman, tetris or pong. These games are most easy to imitate, but still requires some skill to produce. I will use software such as game maker, mostly game creation sites found on the internet. If my first production of a similar game to space invaders is successful, I will try and challenge myself my creating an adventure or RPG (Role playing game). I may have to start by brainstorming on paper, and hand drawing ideas for my game. I may refer closely at really successful RPG and adventure games, to grab some ideas for my game. If I were to make a RPG or adventure game, I must outline the story and what will happen during the game. I shall also include a description of the game play either written or storyboarded.

I will use RAD (Rapid Application Development) tools, which are available for free online. During the production process, I may need to learn how to use ‘scripting language’ (a simplified programming language made for a specific task), but this may not be necessary since it is really difficult to use.

In addition, I should take my unfinished game and make friends try it, and see if I could improve it in specific areas. Ask them if the game is missing some important aspects, such as sound effects, graphics, controls etc. This will help me produce a well quality game, and to use my knowledge and things I learnt online to make a good game.

 

Idea 3:

My final idea will be creating a data analysis project. I must learn the full functions of Microsoft Excel to create spreadsheets and formulae on the program. I should use data from some of my different subjects, such as my geography survey on how HK residents perceive typhoons. I should enter the data collected into the spreadsheet, analyse each of the results by using graphs and functions. I need to present the information on a PowerPoint presentation, or a write up. If could be more useful if I attempted to survey more individuals to gather more information, helping me prove my hypothesis and give more information about what HK residents think about typhoons. I think the software’s I will use is most likely Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint. I should go in depth about the survey questions, and ask people about their personal opinions. This should include very long answer questions, so I can see what the full response of HK residents are. I may need to go outside to different parts of HK to ask the questions, so I will get fair responses to analyze. This will make it more challenging, as I will have to write up about each of the responses. This can be my challenge, to see if I can produce a quality presentation to show the class and the teacher including personal opinions from HK residents.

I should create an online survey to let people fill in. I should start off with simple multi choice questions, and ask for their personal opinions on each of the multiple choice questions they have answered. This is very useful because I will be able to send the survey to many people without trouble, whilst if I had to survey people in the streets, it would be a much harder job to accomplish.