Multimedia+and+Video+Technology

 1. What outcomes had you envisioned for this course? Did you achieve those outcomes? Did the actual course outcomes align with those that you envisioned? In this course, Multi Media and Video Technology, I envisioned several outcomes. One expectation I had was to learn more about copyright laws. I needed to become more familiar with how much of which kind of media was allowed when compiling things for a video. This course did not really focus on these issues, so I will have to do the appropriate research before utilizing video-making in the classroom. Another expectation I had was to become more familiar with various video-making tools. The course tried to enlighten me on new tools that I could use. However, many of those tools came at a cost, so I chose to stick with the programs I had available through my district and my personal computer. Movie Maker, Photostory and Premier Elements are very good tools, so this course gave me the opportunity to use these programs more and recognize their similarities and differences. This knowledge will help me as I choose which programs will be most useful for my students in various situations.  2. 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? I believe that many of the things I learned are relevant to the classroom. In this day and age, we are surrounded by technology. Our children do not know a world without digital programs and social networks. They are primed and ready to accomplish technological tasks that adults have trouble grasping. Therefore, all of the forms of media that we can incorporate into the classroom add depth, dimension, and engagement within the learning process. Isn’t that what all teachers want for their classroom? I would hope so. In this refection, I am reminded of a statement I hear often- We are training our children for jobs in the future that have yet to be created. But, no matter what the job, you can bet so much of it will in some way use technology. These lessons I am learning now exemplify a reality. Technology is here, it is growing, and it is relevant in today’s society, as well as in the future.  3. What outcomes did you not achieve? What prevented you from achieving them? I don’t believe that I became as proficient at making videos as I would have liked. While I am thankful, as a student, to only have been required to make a 60-second PSA for the assignment, I feel like I could have explored the process more if I had to create a longer video. I understand that a 5-week class does not necessarily provide the time to create longer videos, but this one project left me wanting more. After shooting the videos to include in the PSA, I noticed areas where I was lacking, such as shaking when shooting video, panning in and out, and angles of effectiveness. I think these are areas that must be experienced, then researched, and then experienced more. It would be interesting to watch some videos or read articles about how cinematographers and moviemakers accomplish their jobs. I would say that time was the largest factor affecting prevention of studying theses further.  4. Were you successful in completing the course assignments? If not, what prevented or discouraged you? I believe that the main source of success came in the abilities that each member of my team pooled together. We were strong and successful because we listened to each other, gave constructive feedback, met deadlines and divided the tasks between each member. We also help each other through the MANY times that we were confused about the assignments and discussions. No matter what, we relied on each other for knowledge, taking video and still shots, finding music, and supporting each other in every task that we performed. Each of us had difference backgrounds, different experiences, and different points of view. As we discussed our ideas, we weeded out the less important things. As we performed our assigned tasks, we had an area where all things could be posted and viewed by each member. We even met via Adobe Connect to make final decisions and finalize the project. I know that group work can either make or break a project, but in this instance, I think we were more successful together that we would have been apart.  5. What did you learn from this course: about yourself, your technology and leadership skills, and your attitudes? I learned several things from this course. First of all, I learned that organization and preparedness is vitally important. Throughout this course, I was constantly wondering what changes were being made to the assignments, discussions, and syllabus. Changes were made throughout the course, and I must say, not in a timely manner. I was never completely sure that I was following the right steps. There was so much redundancy in the postings of reflections to blogs and wikis and courseware…the same thing was posted in 3-5 various locations. This made it very difficult to feel confident as a student and as a video-maker. On top of that, it created more questions, and the web conferences just added more stress instead of clearing things up. On a positive side, I was pleased about learning the importance of the various steps needed in making videos. While at first, I wondered why we had to list job functions and outlines and narration, by the time we got in the middle of the project, I could see how this preparation paid off. It made the final video-making process so smooth, there weren’t a lot of gaps in our purpose, and the team was all on the same page. For that experience, I feel as though I have learned and experienced something vital to any project…preparation. These same steps in preparation can be easily incorporated into the classroom, even at the 4th grade level.