Badge Requirements

Badges

You are expected to meet the requirements as they are stated—no more and no less. You must do exactly what is stated in the requirements. If it says “show or demonstrate,” that is what you must do. Just telling about it isn’t enough. The same thing holds true for such words as “make,” “list,” “in the field,” and “collect,” “identify,” and “label.” - taken from the Boy Scouts of America Merit Badge information page

All posts should be in your own words (*not* copied and pasted from somewhere else).

Do not "publish" a requirement in your blog until it is complete.

  1. Core Computing

    1. Portfolio Website - Create a portfolio website using https://blogs.baylor.edu/ (Wordpress is a very popular CMS). Create a separate category for each badge including the badge number (e.g. "1. Core Computing"). Create a main menu that uses categories rather than pages. Any time a badge requirement has a green title and indicates to post to your website, create a new post with the letter and title of the requirement (e.g. "c. File Types") and categorize it with the badge title.

    2. Class Discussion about Data - Contribute to a class discussion about the following (if you miss the discussion, create a post that thoroughly discusses these topics):

      • how digital data is stored

      • access differences and scenarios for files saved in the cloud vs. saved locally (on a single computer)

      • how the internet works (video 1 and video 2)

      • cybersecurity (#BearAware) (if you miss the discussion, create a post that thoroughly discusses cybersecurity best practices).

    3. File Types - Create a post that lists five open file types and five proprietary file types. Briefly explain why you should be aware of digital obsolescence with the proprietary file types and in what situations you want to make sure you are using open file types.

    4. Demonstration - When given a binary number, demonstrate how to convert it into a decimal number and vice versa.

    5. Video Tutorial - How to Code a Website: Make a screen recorded "talking-head" video tutorial on how to create a basic website from scratch.

      • Requirements:

        • Teach how to create an index.html file with a basic HTML boilerplate

        • Teach how to add a styles.css file, link it to the index.html file, and style something

        • Teach how to add an index.js JavaScript file that when a user presses a button: 1) they are prompted to input their name, then 2) prompted to guess a number, and finally 3) the text on the page says something like "Hello, [name]. You guess right!." or "Nope, [name]. The number was [x]."

        • Post the video to this badge’s page on your portfolio website.

      • How to screen record:

        • Mac = In Quicktime choose "New Movie Recording" to show your "talking-head" in the corner from your webcam (choose View > Float on Top). Then, choose "New Screen Recording" to start recording your tutorial. Note: you’ll need to figure out how to record your voice as well.

        • Windows = Use OBS

Final Exam Question = Identify what makes a computer a computer.

  1. Maker

    3. MakerSpace Creation - Post a photo of something you make in Baylor's MakerSpace.

    4. Demonstrate your working Arduino project (either one you make up or follow from the "Built-in Examples" within the Arduino IDE - Here is a wiki for the 37 sensors). You must do something more than a sketch that only uses the built-in LED.

    5. Maker Video in Vertical Orientation - Create a short, engaging, vertically oriented, social media-style video that you might create as a future educator about one of your "maker" experiences. Focus on concise storytelling and attention-grabbing text overlay.

Final Exam Question = Define microcontroller, sensor, and actuator.

  1. Still Digital Imaging

    1. Class Discussion about Exposure - Contribute to a class discussion on photography exposure concepts (shutter speed, aperture, and ISO) and best practices in capturing images. If you miss the discussion, create a post that thoroughly discusses these topics.

    2. RAW Capture & Edit - Work with a colleague to capture a high-quality headshot with a shallow depth of field as RAW using a DSLR or mirrorless camera. Ecdit it using an advanced bitmap editor (e.g., Adobe Photoshop). Export as JPEG and post the photo to your website.

    3. Vector Graphic - Follow a YouTube tutorial demonstrating how to create a basic graphic from scratch using Adobe Illustrator or Graphite.rs, export it as a vector file (SVG), and post it to your website.

    4. Using a DSLR or mirrorless camera, capture images for a short stop-motion film. If you would like ideas, Google search stop motion ideas.

    5. Stop-Motion Film - Use DaVinci Resolve to create a short stop-motion film using the images you captured. Add foley sounds and/or music. Post it to your website.

Final Exam Question = What is the difference between bitmap and vector images? Discuss an example when it is best (or even the only option) to use a bitmap image ... also discuss an example when it is best to use a vector image.

  1. Videography

    1. Class Discussion - Contribute to a class discussion about photography concepts that carry over into videography (e.g. resolution, white balance, rule of thirds) and new concepts unique to video (e.g. frame rate). If you miss the discussion, create a post that thoroughly discusses these topics.

    2. Multicam Video - Create a short video that demonstrates your ability to record and edit multicam shots using DaVinci Resolve. You will need at least three cameras and an external audio recorder for this requirement. This is not a tutorial video but rather an exercise in practicing documenting a performance. Post the video to your website.

    3. Music Video Plan - Plan out a music video applying advanced techniques like storyboarding and transitions. Plan how you will include text overlay and a moment using either split-screen or multi-screen. Here are some examples of music vidoes done by students in past semesters.

    4. Music Video Recording - Video record your planned music video. You must record with an external audio recorder (you may not use the built in camera microphone). Remember to include a moment using either split-screen or multi-screen.

      • Split-Screen Recording = one camera, tripod required

        • Multi-Screen Recording = one camera

    5. Music Video: Edit all your video recordings into a polished music video, upload to YouTube and post to your site.

Final Exam Question = Explain how analog movement is captured and converted into digital data (video files) in as much detail as you are able.

  • Include the following terms in your answer = frame rate, pixels, resolution, and camera sensor.

  • Include the frame rate you were advised to use to look most like a professional film.

  1. Sound Reinforcement & Recording

    1. Class Discussion about Live Sound Reinforcement - Contribute to a class discussion about the following (if you miss the discussion, create a post that thoroughly discusses these topics):

      • ground loops (hum) and how to avoid them

        • the difference between balanced and unbalanced cables

          • loudness (dB)

          • how a spectrogram (frequency domain) is different than a waveform (time domain)?

          • microphone types (dynamic, condenser, contact) and polar patterns (omni, figure eight, cardioid, etc.)

          • what a preamp does and how to avoid clipping (distortion)

          • how normalization is different than compression

    2. Demonstrate how to properly roll XLR audio cable.

    3. Multitrack Audio Recording - Post to your website the bounced stereo file of a multi-track project you recorded and edited in a DAW (4 or more microphone inputs; at least two performers close miked plus a main stereo pair). Follow these requirements:

      • Apply at least three audio effects (e.g., reverb, delay, EQ).

    4. Lossless/Lossy Audio - Create a post in which you define and discuss lossless and lossy audio files. You must give examples of file types and when each is used in a typical workflow.

    5. Documentary Style PA System Video - Create a documentary-style video about setting up a PA system that demonstrates proper setup and gain staging (+ sound check). Include interviews (e.g., with classmates) and a voiceover explaining the process.

Final Exam Questions =

  • Discuss how to avoid feedback in live sound reinforcement.

  • How do the acoustics and noise present in the recording space effect mic placement when recording?

  • Explain how analog sound is captured and converted into digital data (audio file) in as much detail as you are able.

    • Include the following terms in your answer = sample rate, bit depth, amplitude, and voltage

    • Include what sample rate and bit depth you were advised to use.

  1. Sound Design

    1. Instructor Presentation - Attend a class presentation of historic and recent electroacoustic works showing a variety of different approaches including fixed and interactive works. If you miss the discussion, create a post that thoroughly discusses these topics and provides media examples.

    2. Waveforms - Create a post that explains the characteristics of different waveforms (sine, square, sawtooth, triangle, etc.) and has playable examples of each (embedded in the post).

    3. Complete the entire Learning Synths interactive tutorial by Ableton.

    4. AI Created Piece - Create a short piece of music using an AI tools like AIVA, MuseNet, or Google's Magenta. Embed the audio into a post on your website and include your comments on ethical questions that arise from your exploration (e.g., originality and copyright).

    5. Found Sounds Video - Create a short musique concrete or acousmatic style video that uses video-recorded found sounds (You may not record any instruments designed for music. Record at least 10 videos using your phone, but you don't have to use all the material you record). You will start in Resolve organizing the video material and then move to Logic to work on the audio by adding audio effects. The video may only contain material that you have personally recorded. See Davinci Resolve to Logic Pro to see how to export all your audio tracks as separate stems for further editing within Logic. Post your video to your website.

Final Exam Question = Define the terms oscillator, envelope (including the term ADSR), filter, and modulation (including the term LFO) in the context of sound synthesis.

  1. Sequencing & Notation

    1. Class Discussion about MIDI: Contribute to a class discussion about how MIDI works and why it is still applicable in music technology today (including what type of information is sent from a MIDI keyboard to a computer when a note is played and why a MIDI keyboard itself does not produce sound). If you miss the discussion, create a post that thoroughly discusses these topics.

    2. Demonstrate to one of your colleagues in the class that you can execute the following:

    3. Dorico PDF - Create a post containing a PDF score you created and exported from Dorico containing a minimum of 3 instruments, dynamics, and articulations (the score must contain at least 20 total measures of notation). This must be different measures than what you input into MuseScore.

    4. MuseScore PDF - Create a post containing a PDF score you created and exported from MuseScore containing a minimum of 3 instruments, dynamics, and articulations (the score must contain at least 20 total measures of notation). This must be different measures than what you input into Dorico.

    5. Notation Software Task GIF - Record a quick video screen capture using QuickTime of a simple task you may need to help students figure out in MuseScore or Dorico (such as how to input a chord, a dynamic, a tempo marking, etc.) and then convert it to an animated GIF using DaVinci Resolve. Note: there will be no sound, but it is simple to add text and graphic overlays in Resolve. Post to your portfolio website.

Final Exam Question = Discuss in as much detail as possible the similarities and differences between MIDI, MusicXML, and WAV files.

  1. Digital Impact

    1. Class Discussion on Digital Thriving - "Wellness is the act of practicing healthy habits on a daily basis to attain better physical and mental health outcomes, so that instead of just surviving, you’re thriving." Read a chapter of a book or a podcast about how to use technology in a way that positively impacts your mental, spiritual, everyday life and enables you to thrive. Then, contribute to a class discussion on negative effects of technology on mental health and productivity (each student will be given a time to speak and for others to respond). Here are some resources to explore before the discussion (if you miss the discussion, create a post that thoroughly discusses these topics):

    2. No Screens for 24 Hours - Go without any screens (no phones, no smart watches, no TVs, etc.) for 24 hours and post a reflection about your experience. Find out more about why this type of exercise is important by researching key phrases like "digital sabbath," "digital detox," and "tech-free zones."

    3. Presentation Research - Choose a topic that falls under digital wellness that you would like to later present formally. Research the topic thoroughly. Here are some topic suggestions:

      • Screen Time Management

        • Digital Addiction & Dependency

        • Mental Health & Technology

        • Sleep & Tech

        • Social Media Boundaries

        • Information Overload

        • Focus, Productivity & Flow

        • Online Identity & Self-Perception

        • Ethical & Mindful Tech Use

        • Physical Health & Ergonomics

        • Digital Relationships

        • Tech-Free Spaces & Times

    4. Presentation Organization and Slides - Use Google Slides to create a slide deck for your presentation. Include multimedia elements like images, videos, and/or audio. In creating the slides, follow all the presentation tips discussed in class and any others you discover. Rehearse your presentation multiple times so you are prepared to record your presentation.

    5. Presentation Video - Record your presentation professionally as if it were for a virtual conference. Practice framing yourself in the shot, using a professional background, and synchronizing slides with your talk (the slides must be part of the video). Post the video to your website.

Final Exam Question = Discuss the impacts of using AI in music creation and performance. Include potential ethical concerns, including originality, copyright, and the role of human creativity in your discussion.

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