Course+Reflection+EDLD+5363

__What outcomes had you envisioned for this course? Did you achieve those outcomes? Did the actual course outcomes align with those you envisioned?__ I did not know what to expect from this class because I have not done much work with multimedia, especially video. I knew that the technology aspect would be fun as well as informative. I had not been involved with much collaboration other than in my Professional Learning Community at school, and that had not been very successful, so I was not thrilled with that aspect of the course. I was looking forward to learning how to create short videos and how to add audio (both voice and music) to them. I had no idea that I would enjoy working with PhotoStory as much as I did. I learned how to piece together the photos, add music, text, and voiceover. I enjoyed it so much that I have created a number of additional "Photo stories" for friends and family. They are very happy that I am taking this course! I have more than achieved my goals for this course. I have learned how to create, and post, photo stories and short videos to the internet. Some tasks were easier for me than others, but I was able to complete my portion of the projects without many "redos." I know, however,that there is so much more to learn.The actual outcome of the course has shown me that. I still need to practice what I've learned and I need to "play" with the information in order to ensure that it "sticks!" (Created July 5, 2009, 3:29 p.m.)

__To the extent that you achieved the outcomes, are they still relevant to the work that you do in your school? Why or why not?__ In many respects everything I have learned in the Multimedia and Video Technology course is relevant to the work that I do in my school. As the Language Arts/Reading/Writing teacher for fourth grade, I will be better equipped to help my students navigate their way through storytelling, script writing, and dramatic play production using the skills I learned in this class.These skills will also enble me to plan effective, exciting projects that my students can produce throughout the school year. I can teach them how to stitch photos together to create short stories and add their own voice for the narration.I can also teach them how to find free photo and video clip download sites so that they can create video stories. If we are allowed to use the school videocamera, I can teach them how to shoot good video footage and how to edit it so that they have a "personalized" video story. I am certain that both the students and I will have a more enjoyable and productive school year. I plan to have the students begin the creation of their own photo story to use in their own digital portfolio which they will burn to a disk at the end of the year. The students enjoy working with technology and they take pride in ownership of their products, just as we have in this class.

I will also share the information and skills I have learned in this class with the rest of my faculty members. Hopefully they will be encouraged to use multimedia in their classes. (Created July 5, 2009, 9:16 p.m.)

__What outcomes did you not achieve? What prevented you from achieving them?__

There were several outcomes that I did not achieve. I really thought that by the end of this class I would be able to produce a professional quality video. Such was not the case. I am proficient, but by no stretch of the imagination could I be considered a pro. I realize that comes with time and regular use the tools required to create and produce a high quality video. One of the challenges I encountered was the "death" of my video camera. I shot what I thought were some great video clips, only to arrive home and realize that the video camera didn't record properly. I wound up purchasing a new video camera and retaping the shots. That was not only expensive, it was also time consuming and inconvenient. I had to quickly learn how to use the camera so that I could take the shots needed for my team project. It was pretty scary for a while. During that same time, I battled computer issues. When I was using MovieMaker, I kept having the "blue screen" syndrome and wound up having my computer in the shop for a couple of days. Other than that, everything was fairly smooth. I just wish that we had more time to play with the programs so that we would be more knowledgable about the programs. These five week classes are great, but the time constraints are sometimes overwhelming. (Created July 5, 9:42 p.m.)

__Were you successful in completing the course assignments? If not, what prevented or discouraged you?__

I was successful in completing and submitting all course assignments on time. I also had the opporunity to attend four webinars with Dr. Abernathy. Those were wonderful experiences. I did have a couple of discouraging issues, however, during this course. I had difficulty in deciding what kind of photo story I wanted to create. I spent several days muddling through a vast number of photos hoping that something would jump out at me as just the right story to address. It took much longer than I expected. I finally settled on a subject that was recent and very close to my heart. Week two the same thing happened. I had difficulty locating free video clips and then problems downloading them.I was finally successful in finding the video clips from United Streaming's, Discovery Education [] That, combined with the problems with MovieMaker and my computer, caused a bit of concern. I was afraid that my video would be late. Luck, and a wonderful computer repair man, happended to be on my side! I wasn't pleased to have to purchase a new video camera so I could reshoot the video clips after my other video camera died, but I am certain that it was a good investment which I will be using in later classes. (Created July 6, 2009, 6:38 p.m.)

__What did you learn from this course about yourself, your technology and leadership skills, and your attitudes?__

I learned that I am still the "technogeek" I have always been. I come by that honestly because my dad was the same way. We both wanted to have the newest cellphone, computer, camera, camcorder and any other "dodad" that came out. That has helped me in this class. I admit to being a "digital immigrant" so I may not be as proficient as some of my other classmates, but I am just as determined to be successful in my studies. I love technology and the endless possibilities that are available to us if we take the time and effort to explore them. It is exciting to learn about the various facets of completing a great video from its inception to completion. Even when encountering difficulties with file extensions, video editing, syncronizing narration with the video, adding music, giving credit for production, and complying with copyright laws, I still would not trade this experience for anything! I have improved my technical skills throughout this class, but I still have much to learn.

My leadership skills are still a "work in progress." As a team member of two projects, there were times when each of us took the lead. I try hard to not be pushy or "step on anyone's toes." In doing that, I may, at times seem to be hanging back, when all I am truly doing is trying to be thoughtful and respectful to others. I am always willing to do whatever needs to be done. I tried to convey this attitude in our group work. I am more of a guide on the side leader. I do not need the recognition of being "the leader" because I know that I have done my part whether it's behind the scenes or in the limelight. (Created July 6, 2009, 6:55 p.m.)


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