Author: Alberta Koomson

My View of the final project:

This has been one of the most useful courses and final project I have taken. I can’t believe I now have a website to give me online presence of what I am very passionate about. Helping families pursue healthy relationships for them to enjoy their lives.

Accessibility:

I initially planned to build the website using the free domain from HOSTINGER but I later realized that the free domain actually comes with 48 months-term contract and have to pay over $100 for that so I used the Canva web publishing services. I created the website from a template and changed them with images and text for 6 pages content on 1. About us, 2. What we do, 3. Our Services, 4. Our Resources, 5. Family Forever School project and 6. Our contact. I included page 5 because it tells a great story of the journey to online services and the vision that became realized as a result of getting the skills to have online presence to do what I like doing. Canva provided the opportunity to publish the website

There is opportunity to migrate the website from Canva to HOSTINGER and I will allocate some funds later to sign up for the 48 months term contract with HOSTINGER so that I can get a domain name as Forever-Family.org

Media:

I created audio visual materials with Canva because it has the capabilities for voice over and caption all built in. I already have the introduction which is on Introduction to Resolving Family Conflicts created for project 8. I created the series on Healthy Family Relationships with voice over and captions. I realized that 15 minutes video will be too long and also difficult to upload so I limited the duration of the videos to 10 minutes. For the infographic, I researched the web for data and information on for example unhealthy family relationships and mental health, emotional and behavioral risks of toxic family relationships, risks and rate of suicide as a result of unhealthy family relationships.

All the elements that are used are supposed to be free without the “crown” which are premium elements, and one has to have subscription to use them. However, I encountered some difficulties when I tried to download them to a google drive to provide a link for access at the website. For the infographic, I provided the works cited in order to acknowledge the sources or provide credits for the sources. I did not use any copyright materials and did not use any AI for the web design or the media. I have not gotten there yet. I will later learn how I could use AI to make the experience better.

I used Canva to create the website all the videos, voiceover, pictures are from Canva. For more information here is the link.

Forever as Family

The infographics is attached

Process:

I used Canva to create the infographic. I used a template with font, color, style and format that I wanted and replaced the information on the template with the information on mediation, counselling, family domestic violence and suicide. I downloaded the infographic in a pdf format.

Sources:

I used Canva to create infographics voiceover and videos for my final project.

1. Family Relationships and Well-Being

10 Importance of Having Good Family Relationship

Canva.com

Why I want to have the final project on family conflict resolution:

I will build a new subdomain for the website to share information on Family Conflict Resolution. I will use HOSTINGER for the domain name TogetherAsFamilyForever.org. I have been providing counseling and support to families to resolve conflicts in real life. I was doing this for my church, external family members and colleagues at work who needed my help. This course opened my eyes to reach a wider audience to help families reduce and or resolve conflicts. From experience, conflicts could destroy husband and wife relationship, parent(s) and child/children’s relationships and even relationships with in-laws, friends and external family members of the couples. Family conflicts could lead to physical, emotional and psychological abuse, separation or divorce. It could destroy self-esteem, cause depression and even lead to suicide. Helping families avoid these potential effects of conflicts brings some satisfaction to me and I would like to use the skills I have gotten from this course to help more people with an online presence. Attached is the Final Project Proposal

What are the objectives?

The objectives for focusing on Family Conflict Resolution are therefore (i) To provide relevant information to families on how to resolve family conflicts and maintain healthy family relationships and (ii) Provide practical role plays, counseling sessions, conflict negotiation and mediation to resolve family conflicts.

What are the episodes, their format and duration?

I have been working on family conflict resolution for some of my projects and I would like to continue on to focus on this topic which is very important and dear to my heart. For the first episode, I will use the introduction I created with audio and video for projects 7 and 8. For the second episode, I will talk about why healthy family relationships are important. This will be in the form of 15 minutes video presentation with voice over and closed captions. For the third episode, I will research the web for data and information on for example, divorce rate, physical and emotional abuse, and suicide rates associated with family conflicts and create an infographic based on that data. For the fourth episode, I will have a 15-minute video presentation with voice over and closed captions on some of the main reasons conflict happens. Episode five will also use video with voice over and closed captions to talk about some of the ways to resolve family conflicts.

Who are the audience:

My audience for the project will be my colleagues, family members and community who are the immediate target audience. I will be sharing the media on WhatsApp, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube to reach a wider audience. I will offer the audience the opportunity to have zoom counseling, role play, conflict negotiation and mediation to help resolve family conflict if that is requested. For the second phase, I will have Spanish versions of the audio, video and infographics. The practical counseling, negotiation and mediation will be done only in English for now until I get a Spanish partner who has similar commitment to help to collaborate on this.

Data:

I used the dataset from data.org. Based on the preliminary findings from the pivot data project last week, I used time series data on percent of adults with less than high school diploma in 1970, 1980, 1990, 2000, 2008 to 2012 and 2018 to 2022. The trend showed that although percent of adult with less then high school diploma has declined from over 80% in 1970 to about 26% in 2022, it’s still higher than National and State averages and over 9 times of Falls Church city. With this information I wanted to find out how the county with the more adults without high school diploma will do relative to the county with the less adults without high school diploma in terms of employment, household income and poverty. I compared the time series data on unemployment rate from 2000 to 2022 for the Nation, Virginia, Buchanan County and Falls Church City, the median household income in 2021 as a percentage of Virginia’s total for Buchanan County and Falls Church City and percentage of population classified as living in poverty in 2021.

The dataset for the analyses is attached.

Media:

I chose to communicate the story of potential relationships between having a high school diploma and chances of poverty by using infographics. The reasons behind this choice are as follows: (i) I have already done previous projects using audio and video and wanted to learn how to show information in infographics. (ii) I realized that the 1-pager infographics will be more effective in communicating the story and (iii) I can use infographics to simplify complex data and concepts, and make them easy to understand at a glance (Geeks for Geeks, 2024) Sharing the 1-pager infographics story in pdf format with friends and colleagues for them to consider the value of at least high school diploma would be faster for downloading and reshare than audio and video format that may have larger file sizes.

The infographics is attached

Process:

I used Canva to create the infographic. Because this is my first time creating infographic, I used a template with font, color, style and format that I want and replaced the information on the template with the information on diploma and poverty. I downloaded the infographic in a pdf format.

Story from the Data-Diploma and Poverty:

Will having a high school diploma improve the chances of avoiding unemployment, increasing household income and reducing poverty? Analyses of the data on adults with high school diploma, unemployment, household income and poverty indicate that having at least high school diploma could help you reduce the chances of poverty.

Figure 1

Figure 1 shows that the percentage of adults without high school diploma in Buchanan County is above the National and State averages and on average about 9 times that of Falls Church City from 1970 to 2022.

Figure 2

Figure 2 shows that the rate of unemployment from 2000 to 2022 was higher in
Buchanan County with more adults without high school diploma.

Figure 3

Figure 3 shows that the median household income as percentage of the VA total in 2021 for Falls Church City with less adults without diploma is about 3x that of Buchanan County. In the infographic this chart is replaced with graphics that communicates the information better. This is one of the usefulness of infographics

Figure 4

Figure 4 shows that Buchanan County with more adults without high school diploma has over 5 times poverty rate in 2021 than Falls Church City.

There may be great benefits to earning a diploma
However, more analysis would be needed to model the relationship between having a diploma and chances of reducing poverty. In the infographic this chart is replaced with graphics that communicates the information better.

Sources:

1) Data on Adults with less than High School Diploma: USDA, Economic Research Service using data from U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, 1970, 1980, 1990, 2000 Censuses of Population, and 2008–12 and 2018–22 American Community Survey 5-year period county-level estimates. Data are as of June 20, 2024.

2) Data on Unemployment and Median Household Income: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS); median household income: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates (SAIPE) Program.

(3) Data on Poverty Rates: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates (SAIPE) Program.

(4) Geeks for Geeks (2024). What is an Infographic? 10 Jul, 2024. Geeks for Geeks

Selection of Data Set

I got the data of education, unemployment, poverty and population from data.org. I downloaded the data in an excel format. The data covers all the States including Puerto Rico. The data for education, unemployment and population have time series.

Cleaning the Data

I wanted to focus on Virginia so I deleted the data for the States that are not needed. I also deleted other columns such that have values and not rates. This is because due to difference in for example size, economic activities, etc., I wanted to focus on rates which may be comparable. I used the Microsoft Excel software to clean the data format the table and to do the pivot table.

Formatting the Data as Table

In order to prepare the data to be used for the pivot table, I have to summarize the time series by finding and using the averages. I used data on average percent of adults with less than high school diploma, average unemployment rate, average household median income as percentage of State median household income and poverty rate for 132 counties and cities in Virginia. I have to take out Clifton Forge City and Bedford City because they do not have values for the variables above with the exception of education.

Pivot Table

I did the pivot table based on the counties and cities data on average percent of adults with less than high school diploma, average unemployment rate, average household median income as percentage of State median household income and poverty rate. I used the pivot table to find the average , minimum value and maximum value for the variable. For education Buchanan County has about 52% of adults with less than high school diploma from the estimated average with data from 1970 to 2022. Falls Church City has a minimum percent (9.5%) of adults with less than high school diploma. Attached is the excel document with the data for the pivot table, and the data for the pivot chart.

Preliminary Findings

Education may have some effect on unemployment, household income and poverty. The pivot table shows that Buchanan County with the percent of adults without high school diploma has an unemployment rate higher than than Virginia unemployment rate, a median household income that is about half of the Virginia average and a poverty rate which is about 10% higher than Virginia average.

Image

This is the image chart trend of the percentage of adults with less than high school diploma in the US, Virginia, Buchanan County and Falls Church City from 1970 to 2022.

The Title and Script

I used the same title and script about resolving family conflict. I got the shots using my phone camera with voice recorder. I modified the script to match the shots.

Video Lists

As I indicated in project 8.6, It is difficult to get real family in conflict to record, so I made a video shot and added modified video clips to help convey the message. Attached is the lists.

Recording

I have to use phone camera because I don’t have actual digital camera and the tripod. I am not in Virginia so I was not able to use the equipment at the Convergence Center. I used my phone camera to take the shots and I used Canva to edit the graphic, the video clips and the shots. Attached is the video shots with the clips and the graphics.

Visual Materials

I modified graphics and videos form Canva and took video shots with the phone camera.

Video Topic

The topic of the video is about how family members can resolve conflict.

Family conflict is normal it’s the repair that matters. For more information, click on the link: (Diana Divecha. Family Conflict Is Normal; It’s the Repair That Matters).

The video also goes over dealing with difficult family relationships. Click the link for information: Sheldon Reid. Dealing with Difficult Family Relationships)

The Title and Script

I am using the title I used for the audio about resolving family conflict. Because I am using video clips with my video recordings, I modified the script to match the script.

Video Lists

It is difficult to get real family in conflict to record, so I will modify video clips to care of that challenge. Attached is the lists

Recording

I modified the video clips and recorded the scripts according to the video lists. I used Canva instead of Clipchamp because it is easier to record the video with the script and voiceover for the clips and graphics.

Visual Materials

I modified graphics images and videos form Canva for the recording.

Source: Pixabay.com Happy family photo

My project for audio recording was based on family leadership. Specifically, how to resolve conflicts in a family.

The Equipment used

I used the Microsoft Sound Recorder on my laptop for the recording. My laptop has the Microphone Array (Intel Smart Sound Technology for Digital Microphones) so I used that. It could only save M4A file which could not be uploaded to the blog so I edited it with Microsoft Clipchamp and saved as MP4 file before I could upload to the blog.

The Script for the recording

Introduction: Family is very important in every society. Family should have the environment to allow each member of the family to feel welcomed, respected, understood and considered as important to the family. Family members should support one another to deal with issues.
Why conflict arises: Conflict is normal in every relationship, sometimes it happens among family members too (Diana Divecha. Family Conflict Is Normal; It’s the Repair That Matters). Conflict may arise when there is misunderstanding or when a member or members fail to do what they are required to do as duties and responsibilities. To maintain healthy family relationships, conflicts should be resolved peacefully and timely (Sheldon Reid. Dealing with Difficult Family Relationships)
Some ways to resolve conflict in a family: When family members show unconditional love, care, and support for one another, this builds trust and a feeling of belonging that helps to resolve conflicts.
Conflicts also get resolved quickly and peacefully when family members spend quality time together, for example for outdoor activities. Interaction during such times of affection helps to resolve conflicts.
Open and frank communication among family members also helps to resolve conflicts. Members should be able to express opinions, ideas and feelings and apologize when they are at fault.

Conclusions: Having a strong family relationship is very important. It helps provide emotional support, a sense of belonging, stability, and unity in the family

The Recording

I recorded the audios with the Microsoft sound recorder. I imported the audio recording for scripts, the background sound and the music into the Microsoft Clipchamp. I edited and merged them as a single audio file.
I recorded 10 seconds (0.00.00 – 0.00.10) of background sounds of AC running and utensils falling in the kitchen. I used the Antique Conflict classical music by Lowtone which is royalty/copyright free from the Free Music Archive Classical genre catalog online for 3 seconds intro (0.00.11-0.00.14) and about 6 seconds outro (0.01.54 – 0.02.00). So, in all, I used about 9 seconds for intro and outro with the Antique Conflict classical music. For the script, I used 17 seconds for introduction (0.00.15 – 0.00.32) and 1 minute 9 seconds (0.00.33 – 0.01.41) for the main discussions and 11 seconds (0.01.42 – 0.01.53) for the conclusion.

The help I got from AI tools

I asked copilot to find royalty/copyright free music

Here are some great resources where you can find royalty-free classical music:

Free Music Archive: Offers a wide range of classical music genres, from cha1
mber music to opera, all free to download.

Pixabay: Provides a 2
large collection of classical music tracks that you can download and use for free.

[Chosic](https://www.3
chosic.com/free-music/classical/): Features royalty-free classical music from composers like Bach, Bee4
thoven, and Mozart.

Epidemic Sound: Offers high-quality, diverse classical music tracks for various projects.

These platforms should have plenty of options for your needs. Enjoy exploring and finding the perfect music for your project!

Credit/attributions

(1) Antique Conflict classical music. Lowtone Music. Free Music Archive

(2) Image. Pixabay.com Happy family photo

(3) Diana Divecha. Family Conflict Is Normal; It’s the Repair That Matters. Greater Good Magazine. University of California, Berkeley.. October 27, 2020

(4) Sheldon Reid. Dealing with Difficult Family Relationships. Helpguide.org. No date

Getting the topic:

My topic will be family leadership because I want to do the same thing online as I do in the real world for my colleagues, family members and community who are the major targets or audience for the project. I will talk about how healthy family relationships are important, what are some of the main reasons conflict happens in family and some of the ways to resolve family conflicts.

Doing the script:

I will spend 30 seconds for the introduction, 1 minute talking about how to resolve conflicts in family and 30 seconds for the conclusion.

Introduction: Family is very important in every society. Family should have the environment to allow each member of the family to feel welcomed, respected, understood and considered as important to the family. Family members should support one another to deal with issues.   

Why conflict arises: Because conflict is normal in every relationship, sometimes it happens among family members too.  Conflict may arise when there is misunderstanding or when a member or members fail to do what they are required to do as duties and responsibilities. To maintain healthy family relationships, conflicts should be resolved peacefully and timely.  

Some ways to resolve conflict in a family: When family members show unconditional love, care, and support for one another, this builds trust and a feeling of belonging that helps to resolve conflicts. Mutual hate, deception, gossip, jealousy, and backstabbing will do the opposite.

Conflicts also get resolved quickly and peacefully when family members spend quality time together, for example for outdoor activities, vacations, or even doing house chores together. Interaction during such times of affection helps to resolve conflicts.

Open and frank communication among family members also helps to resolve conflicts. Members should be able express opinions, ideas and feelings when hurt or offended. The member who is at fault should take responsibility to either apologize or do the right thing.  

Conclusions: Having a strong family relationship is very important. It helps provide emotional support, a sense of belonging, stability, and unity in the family. Conflicts get resolved peacefully and timely when family members trust and support each other, engage in family activities of affection together and have open communication between them.

Equipment needed:

I will use the Microsoft Sound Recorder recorder on my laptop.

Recording:

I will read the script and make the recording in a quiet place at my home. I will do this when the kids and family members are out of the house so that there will be no noise. I will put on soft jazz or smooth music at the background. I have done a 14 seconds test recording.

Icon

A website icon is a picture, graphic or design which helps users to have better experience as they browse, and interact with the web page. It helps users to identify websites easily.

Why I choose this images creation

I choose this image Big B and K with stars. Because images are powerful in a way that they not only attract our attention, but also when the eyes spot them faster they catch our attention. An image influences decision-making processes and prompts actions such as purchases and social shares. The colors, shapes of images convey messages much quicker than a block of words. Images and media attract and engage our attention.

What software I used

You can use art and design software programs that create an image directly on a computer, like Vectr or Canva and other resources from the web. I used the Canva design web page, which also helps beginners to create sketches and digital art for free. Click here to use Canva to create your own logo.

Why I chose the file type for these images

The reason I chose the PNG file type is because it has more detail and a higher quality than others, such as JPG. Some of other image files take up more space than others which will affect your site load time. Some image formats can be larger or smaller without losing quality of your work.

Reflections on copyright

I understand that copyright is where all right are reserved. One needs permission to use one’s owns work. As I reflect on it, copyright and attribution is a way individuals get credit for their work. The reason why I chose the copyright because it allows others to use, edit, and remix my website.

How do you use copyright ethically

By using copyright ethically ask for permission to use the work or give credit to the one who owns the work.

Work By Karoline-Grabowska