EDLD 5363 - Final Course Reflection

This course has been a test of my abilities to learn and apply new knowledge and skills quickly and effectively. Although the Audio/Video class has been next door to me this year, I had never really tried to understand exactly what they do. I truly have a respect for their patience and creativity in producing quality videos. As one of our readings stated, “Multimedia certainly has the potential to extend the amount and type of information available to learners.” (Shank, n.d.) I realize how important it is to be able to tell your story, capturing and retaining your audience’s attention throughout.

Utilizing Windows Movie Maker was a surprisingly easy program, which made editing simple and trouble-free. What I discovered is that it is important to have plenty of material to use during editing and to make sure you edit down to the essential message of your story. Especially as I made the Personal Digital story video, I found it difficult to narrow down and edit through the information and pictures I had to create a clear, concise and interesting video story. As our group worked through the PSA project, it was first important to identify each piece of the project that needed to be completed and assign those pieces to the group, utilizing each group member’s strengths and interests. As we moved into the production and post-production phase, communication throughout the process ensured that the project was of the quality we desired as well as completing it within the deadlines that were given. A key aspect was collaborating throughout the process, discussing the individual elements of the PSA, including shot selection, voiceover options and final editing and web delivery formatting choices.

Because we worked together throughout the entire project, it made decisions much easier to finalize regarding our finished PSA. In addition, every effort was made to copyright not only the pictures, music and information we used, but also our original works. We were very cognizant to review and document as we developed the PSA, and give appropriate credit at the end of our production. It was a pleasure to work with such dedicated colleagues – thank you to Kim, Blaine and Dana for being such wonderful group members. I look forward to future collaborations as we finish the final courses of our graduate studies.

Reference:

Shank, P. (n.d.). The value of multimedia in learning. Think Tank. Retrieved November 9, 2011, from http://www.adobe.com/designcenter/thinktank/valuemedia/.

EDLD 5363 - Week 5 Web Conference Reflection

Once again it was necessary to read the web conference script after the fact. The webcasts and scripts have been a life-saver during this class – so much is going on at school this week! I know I will get everything done, but having to submit all assignments by Friday at midnight is stressful – I can see the stress in my classmates posts too! My weekends are my time to focus and work on MY school and not having that time makes things difficult this week.

This final web conference focuses on the various pieces of documentation, collaboration and final PSA video. It continues to amaze me how we can all be in such different locations and situations and still be able to work together to complete a major collaborative project. Utilizing Google docs, Dropbox and a designated project wiki has helped this shared effort on track. Technology is an incredible and wonderful tool! 

EDLD 5363 – Week 4 Web Conference Reflection

Yesterday, I watched the web conference conducted on Monday night. There seems to be some anxiety (I feel it too) about the PSA project. The whole video technology concept and application is very new to some of us, and as a CTE teacher, I don’t like feeling uncomfortable using a technology application. But I also have to remember that I am the “student” now, not the teacher.

One of the things Dr. Abernathy continues to say is “feel good about what you are doing and learning.” This is an educational process and although there may be some concern over getting the PSA done correctly, the main objective is to grow and learn. It is also nice to have classmates share websites, tips and techniques they have discovered along the way – I have learned so much just watching and listening! Thanks to all!

EDLD 5363 – Week 3 Web Conference Reflection

This week I was unable to participate in a web conference due to previous commitments, but being able to view the web conference is a great way to gain valuable information. This week it is especially important because we are creating the production plan for our PSA assignment. I am fortunate to have a great group in Kim McKay, Dana Chelette and Blaine Locheed and we have jumped in to the assignment, collaborating and planning our video presentation.

The web conference clarified the Week 2 grading problems, which was a great relief after I saw the zero in Epic. In addition, explaining the terminology for the PSA planning document, ways to share our collaboration and understanding the copyright and credits portion of the PSA. I also picked up on the suggestion that Dropbox may be a good way to store the video portions of our PSA. Good suggestions and ideas from my classmates is one of the most valuable tools I gain from the web conferences each week.